OK, so naming a North Carolina college football “Team of the Week” for Week 0 isn’t exactly the hardest job in sports media. Only one in-state squad took the field over the weekend — the North Carolina Central Eagles.
But make no mistake: NCCU earned it. The Eagles were far more than a default pick, dominating Southern 31-14 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Centre Parc Stadium in Atlanta. Let’s check out some of the highlights:
Stars of the Night
- Chris Mosley galloped for 174 rushing yards and a touchdown to earn game MVP status. His 49-yard TD burst in the second quarter turned momentum in NCCU’s favor, and the Eagles never lost control.
- Walker Harris completed 19-of-24 passes for 183 yards and a score, managing the offense like the savvy veteran he is.
- The defense, which was gashed on multiple big running plays the first few possessions, made adjustments and pitched a shutout after halftime.
- Thomas Johnson paced the stopping unit with 7 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
The Eagles (1-0) very much looked the part of MEAC championship contender – and a favorite for a return trip to Atlanta in December for the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
🦅 READ MORE: After three years in the shadows, Chris Mosley emerges as new RB1
Eagles wanted the ball first
NCCU coach Trei Oliver said he usually chooses to defer possession to the second half after the coin toss. On Saturday night, he wanted the ball first.
“Today I was going to take the football, and we were going to try to set the tone with our offense on the field,” Oliver said after the contest. “Our plan was to score and try to hold them to a three-and-out. Our offensive line, they made a statement early.”
The first Eagles drive covered 80 yards in 13 plays, capped by 1-yard Arthur Rodgers touchdown run. The series took 6:31. NCCU 7, Southern 0. Statement made.
While North Carolina Central’s ‘D’ didn’t get the three-and-out – Southern quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy got loose for a 69-yard touchdown run – the Eagles never lost their grip on time-of-possession or ball control.
They reached the red zone five times on the night, scoring on four of those trips (a fumble at the goal line ended the other drive). NCCU held the ball for 35+ minutes to Southern’s 25.
“Time of possession was key. That is what really kept us in the game and settled us down in the first half,” Oliver said.
🦅 READ MORE: Check out our Game Recap for more notes, highlights and stats.
Bright Lights, Big City, Worthy Performances
It is no accident that North Carolina Central is 7-0 in showcase games during Oliver’s head-coaching tenure, including 3-0 in Atlanta. Put NCCU in an NFL stadium or in front of a nationally televised audience, and the Eagles deliver.
“It’s not just Atlanta,” Oliver said. “We love classics. Orange Blossom. Circle City. MEAC/SWAC, Celebration Bowl. We’re going to show up when the lights are on. It’s our opportunity when you have a chance to play in venues like this and in those big games, I relish that.
“These young men, we talk about it. Not everybody has that opportunity. We prepare and we prepare and we prepare, and thank God we’ve been able to come out on top. I didn’t play in any venues like this when I was in school. These guys right here, I try to explain to them, we’ve got to make the most of it. They prepare to be champions and we’ve been able to have some success.”
Flying High But Feet Still Touching Earth
While NCCU basked in a trophy celebration after Saturday’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge win, Oliver didn’t exactly crown his team’s overall play.
- He called the Eagles’ overall performance “slightly above average” and noted “I thought we left a lot out there”
- He remarked that it didn’t look like his team practiced tackling at all in the off-season;
- And, he said, his group needed better “strain” in the first half. His group gave up too many big plays early and had a turnover at the goal line.
“I thought we played harder in the second half,” he said. “But you can’t pick and choose. Playing one half of football is what kept us out of Atlanta last year. That is not going to get us there.”
What’s Next?
North Carolina Central will play an intriguing opponent this week, welcoming New Hampshire from the CAA for its home opener Saturday night.
The Wildcats went 8-5 a year ago, winning their last four in the regular season before falling to UT Martin in the playoffs. New Hampshire has been picked fifth in the CAA this year.
🏆Be sure to check NC Football News all season for our latest NC college football Team of the Week honorees. Check out our NC College Football Awards Hub HERE.
