Box Score
Game Statistics
SAVANNAH, Ga. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – A sluggish start and four turnovers turned out to be more than North Carolina Central University could overcome, as Savannah State University held off the Eagles for its first win of the season, 28-21, inside Memorial Stadium in Savannah, Ga.
Savannah State snaps the longest losing streak in the NCAA Division I-FCS at 11 games, and earns its first win in the six-game series with NCCU (4-1-1). SSU improves to 1-9, while the Eagles fall to 3-7.
NCCU amassed a season-high 401 yards of total offense, while holding the Tigers to only 273 total yards; but the visiting Eagles lost three fumbles, threw an interception, converted only three of six chances in the red zone, and committed 12 penalties for 118 yards.
After scoring only nine points in their last three games, the SSU Tigers reeled off a season-high 28 unanswered points for a 28-7 second quarter cushion. Savannah State recovered a fumble and a muffed punt, and utilized a host of gadget plays, including a double reverse pass and the famous Boise State “Statue of Liberty” play, during the run.
Junior quarterback Michael Johnson came off the NCCU bench to engineer a 10-play, 69-yard scoring drive just before intermission to narrow the halftime deficit to 28-14.
Late in the third quarter, Johnson moved the Eagles 99 yards in 11 plays, capped by an 18-yard fade pass to Corey Harris to trim the gap to just one score at 28-21.
In the fourth quarter, NCCU had several opportunities to tie the game, but came up empty each time. The Eagles lost a fumble at the SSU 14-yard line, then mishandled a punt that was recovered by the Tigers.
NCCU seemed to catch a break with less than six minutes remaining when the SSU punter bobbled the snap to provide the Eagles with a first down at the Tigers’ 11-yard line. However, NCCU’s first two rushes went backwards and passes on third and fourth downs fell incomplete.
The Eagles got the ball back with 2:09 left to play, but NCCU failed to convert on 4th down and three yards to go at the SSU 24-yard line.
Johnson finished with 196 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-28 passing for the Eagles. In his first start under center, NCCU red-shirt freshman Jordan Reid completed 3-of-4 passes for 68 yards with an interception.
NCCU sophomore receiver Geovonie Irvine had nine catches for 138 yards, while senior running back Tony McCord collected 146 all-purpose yards, including 67 yards on 10 carries, 68 yards on five receptions and 11 yards on a kickoff return.
After missing last week with an injury, senior running back Tim Shankle managed 20 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while the Eagles’ other score came courtesy of a 5-yard reception by fullback Justin Manning.
The NCCU defense was paced by defensive back Malik Cromartie, linebacker Calvin Hillie and defensive end Xavier Proctor, all with seven tackles each.
Savannah State was led by rookie running back Sheldon Barnes with 120 rushing yards and a second-quarter touchdown run, which later proved to be the game-winner.
Another Tigers rookie, quarterback Antonio Bostick, threw for 78 yards and two scores on 8-0f-14 passing, while junior signal caller A.J. Defilippis completed all six of his pass attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown.
A resilient Savannah State defense was sparked by linebacker Michael Kuku with a game-high 10 takedowns.
NCCU ends the 2010 season at home next Saturday (Nov. 20) against Old Dominion. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.
