Box Score
Photos (courtesy of Dylan Wilson for SSU Sports Information)
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Trailing 14-10 at halftime, North Carolina Central University tied a school record with 28 points in the third quarter to pull away from Savannah State University, as the Eagles piled up 545 yards of total offense en route to a 45-33 win inside T.A. Wright Stadium in Savannah, Ga.
NCCU redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Reid, making his first start since NCCU’s last trip to Savannah in 2010, enjoyed a career-best night with 241 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-34 passing. Reid threw two touchdowns in the game-deciding third quarter, a 30-yard connection with Marvin Poole to give NCCU its first lead and a 26-yard strike to Decona Roberts to put the Eagles up by three scores.
Poole ended up with career-highs of seven receptions for 93 yards and two trips to the end zone.
A key play in that third quarter was a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown by senior Arthur Goforth, who finished with 213 all-purpose yards, which provided NCCU with a 31-20 cushion at the 7:10 mark. Goforth collected 93 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards on four catches, 72 punt return yards and eight kickoff return yards.
NCCU’s 545 yards of total offense ranks 10th on the school’s all-time list and is the most by the Eagles since piling up 589 total yards versus Edward Waters on Aug. 27, 2005.
Junior linebacker Tazmon Foster topped the NCCU defense with eight tackles, while NCCU redshirt freshman Ryan Smith collected six takedowns and three passes defended, including a touchdown-saving interception in the end zone.
NCCU improves its record to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in MEAC play. The Eagles head into a bye week before visiting Indianapolis for the Circle City Classic against South Carolina State on Oct. 6.
