Box Score

Photo Gallery        Postgame Interview with Henry Frazier III, Michael Johnson, Brandon Outlaw

DURHAM, N.C.- North Carolina Central University’s second half efforts were not enough to combat the first half deficit against Florida A&M University who won 31-10 on Senior Day at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

FAMU amassed 261 total offensive yards in the first half, outscoring the Eagles 28-0 before intermission, including three touchdowns in the second quarter.

Junior running back Lavante Page gave FAMU an early lead on the opening drive scoring on a two-yard touchdown run, giving the Rattlers a 7-0 lead at 7:55 of the first quarter.

The Eagles’ opening drive was a four-and-out on three plays for a gain of only two yards ending with a punt by redshirt sophomore punter Matthew Cornelius.

That trend continued for the Eagles as they only had five first downs in the first half compared to15 by FAMU.

When the Eagles were not giving the Rattlers the ball off of punts, NCCU turned the ball over twice, fumbling and then on an interception, both times resulting in touchdown drives for FAMU.

NCCU held the ball for only nine minutes in the first half compared to 21 possession minutes obtained by FAMU.

NCCU ended the first half with 110 offensive yards, including 105 passing yards and only five ground yards.

After the NCCU defense held the Rattlers scoreless in the third quarter, the Eagles got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter on a 26-yard field goal by freshman Oleg Parent.

NCCU’s only touchdown came on its longest drive of the day (7 plays, 46 yards) resulting in a three-yard touchdown run by redshirt senior quarterback Michael Johnson.

FAMU ended the game’s scoring on a 42-yard field goal by redshirt senior Trevor Scott, making the final score 31-10.

The 20 seniors at NCCU were recognized at the beginning of the game, standing among family and friends in the middle of the field as they played in the final home game of their collegiate careers.

Offensively, Johnson finished his last home game, completing 16 of 31 passes for 185 yards. Senior wide receiver Corey Harris had four catches for 41 yards.

Senior linebacker Brandon Outlaw led the Eagles’ defense with 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. Rookie linebacker Prince Williams added 10 tackles, an assisted sack, and a fumble recovery.

FAMU quarterback Damien Fleming ended the day completing 15 passes on 24 attempts for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Kevin Elliott had five catches for 82 yards and a score, while junior running back Eddie Rocker had 128 yards on 17 carries.

FAMU’s senior safety Anthony Shutt had a team-high eight tackles, a tackle for a loss, an interception, and a quarterback hurry.

NCCU will play its final game of the season next week against school rival North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C.