Video: Â NCCU Football Weekly Press Conference (ECSU):Â
http://youtu.be/NGZUeaaQVxo(
PDF of Complete Game Notes)
THE GAMEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Elizabeth City State University "Vikings" at North Carolina Central University "Eagles"
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THE KICKOFFÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Saturday, September 6, 2014 – Kickoff at 5:00 p.m.
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THE SITEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium (10,000 capacity/Mondoturf) - Durham, N.C.
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THE RECORDSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Elizabeth City State (0-0, 0-0 CIAA); N.C. Central (0-1 overall, 0-0 MEAC)
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MEDIA COVERAGEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Audio: NCCU Sports Network mobile app (iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Kindle Fire HD); "GameCentral" at NCCUEaglePride.com (audio internet stream). Broadcast starts at 4:30 p.m. (Chris Hooks, play-by-play; Joe Simmons, color analyst).
Video: "GameCentral" at NCCUEaglePride.com (pay-per-view video internet stream/$8.95). Broadcast starts at 4:30 p.m. (Chris Hooks, play-by-play; Joe Simmons, color analyst).
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QUICK HITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
•  The first home game of the 2014 season and the debut of NCCU head coach Jerry Mack inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
•  Saturday's contest is a rematch of the 2006 CIAA Championship Game (O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, N.C.), which the Eagles won 17-14 on a 51-yard field goal as time expired to repeat as conference champions.
•  NCCU boasts a record of 6-2 against CIAA opponents since leaving the conference at the end of the 2006 season.
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THE SERIESÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
This will be the 28th meeting between NCCU and ECSU, since the two programs first met in 1976. The Eagles hold a 19-8 overall advantage. NCCU has won eight of the last 10 contests, including three straight.
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LAST 10 MEETINGS:
Sept. 15, 2007 – NCCU 18, ECSU 10 (Giants Stadium - N.J.)
Nov. 11, 2006 – NCCU 17, ECSU 14 (Durham, N.C. – CIAA Championship Game)
Sept. 25, 2004 – NCCU 28, ECSU 20 (Kinston, N.C.)
Oct. 4, 2003 – ECSU 25, NCCU 23 (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Sept. 28, 2002 – NCCU 13, ECSU 3 (Kinston, N.C.)
Sept. 22, 2001 – NCCU 31, ECSU 21 (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Sept. 23, 2000 – ECSU 15, NCCU 13 (Durham, N.C.)
Oct. 2, 1999 – NCCU 35, ECSU 6 (Elizabeth City, N.C.)
Oct. 3, 1998 – NCCU 51, ECSU 14 (Durham, N.C.)
Sept. 27, 1997 – NCCU 37, ECSU 6 (Elizabeth City, N.C.)
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LAST WEEKÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
(NCCU)Â The underdog Eagles of North Carolina Central University got off to an impressive start against FBS opponent East Carolina University, seizing a 7-0 first-quarter lead courtesy of a 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown by NCCU senior C.J. Moore. But the host Pirates righted the ship and cruised to a 52-7 victory in front of 42,758 fans at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and a national television audience watching ESPNews on Aug. 30. Moore's scoop-and-score on a fumble forced by senior end Felix Small made the vast sea of purple and gold clad fans take notice with 10:15 on the first-quarter clock. ECU's explosive offense was held to a 34-yard field goal to trim the Eagles' lead to 7-3 at 7:16 of the first stanza. Then the Pirates used some trickery, as wide receiver Justin Hardy took a toss on an end-around and threw the pigskin 41 yards to a wide open Isaiah Jones to put ECU ahead 10-7 with 3:27 left in the first quarter. It remained a three-point contest for most of the second quarter, until ECU scored three touchdowns in the final 6:22 before intermission to pull away for a 31-7 halftime advantage. The Pirates scored one touchdown in the third quarter and added two late trips to the end zone to widen the margin of victory. ECU amassed 582 yards of total offense, including 374 yards through the air. NCCU managed 174 total yards, including 101 passing yards by new signal caller Quinn Billerman, who completed his first six passes and finished 12-for-18. Senior running back Andre Clarke pounded out a team-best 57 yards on the ground, while junior receiver Adrian Wilkins caught four passes for 58 yards as part of a game-high 200 all-purpose yards. Moore collected nine tackles to go along with his 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown, while fellow safety Theo Livingston topped the Eagles with 10 tackles and a pass break-up. Sophomore cornerback Michael Jones, who led NCCU as a freshman with four interceptions, recorded his fifth career pick by tapping his toes in the back of the end zone to prevent a touchdown.
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(ECSU)Â Saturday's contest will be the first of the 2014 season for Elizabeth City State. The Vikings finished the 2013 campaign with an overall record of 4-6 and a conference record of 4-3, good enough for second place in the CIAA Northern Division.
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THE COACHESÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
NCCU: Jerry Mack (Arkansas State, 2003) is in his first season as a college head coach. At age 33, he boasts 10 years of coaching experience, including stints with five NCAA Division I programs and two conference championship teams. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Mack has held positions as wide receivers coach at the University of South Alabama (2012-13) and the University of Memphis (2011), as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (2010), as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of Central Arkansas (2008-09), as wide receivers and tight ends coach at Jackson State University (2006-07), and as an offensive graduate assistant at Delta State University (2004-05). Mack began his collegiate playing career at Jackson State before transferring after one season (1999) to Arkansas State University. He lettered three years at Arkansas State (2001-03) before earning his bachelor's degree in management information systems in 2003. Mack completed his master's degree in physical education from Delta State in 2006.
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ECSU: Waverly Tillar (Virginia Union, 1975) is in his 12th season at the helm of the Elizabeth City State University football program with an overall record of 61-57. Prior to taking over as head coach, Tillar served as the defensive coordinator for the Vikings. A native of Richmond, Va., Tillar is a 1975 graduate of Virginia Union University. Playing linebacker for the Panthers, he helped anchor a defense that produced six shutouts in route to Virginia Union's first football championship in 50 years. Additionally, Tillar coached two years at the high school level at both Clifton Forge and Patrick Henry in Ashland, Va. He also coached the linebackers and defensive backs at his alma mater for 13 years and Virginia State University for five years. Throughout his tenure he has helped construct some of the top ranked defenses in the country. Tillar obtained his B.A. in Sociology from Virginia Union and his M.A. in Urban Affairs from Norfolk State.
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NCCU VERSUS CIAA OPPONENTS SINCE LEAVING CIAA
Since departing the NCAA Division II ranks and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) at the end of the 2006 season, the Eagles have lined up against CIAA members eight times. NCCU has won six of those eight match-ups.
Sept. 7, 2013 vs. Saint Augustine's (23-20 W 2OT)
Sept. 1, 2012 vs. Fayetteville State (54-31 W)
Sept. 11, 2010 vs. Winston-Salem State (27-34 L)
Sept. 2, 2010 vs. Johnson C. Smith (59-0 W)
Aug. 31, 2008 vs. Fayetteville State (22-33 L)
Sept. 15, 2007 vs. Elizabeth City State (18-10 W) (Giants Stadium - N.J.)
Sept. 8, 2007 vs. Saint Augustine's (6-0 W)
Sept. 2, 2007 vs. Fayetteville State (17-0 W)
EAGLES TURN DEFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS INTO POINTS
Since the start of the 2012 season, the Eagles have demonstrated a knack for finding the end zone when the offense is off the field. In the past 24 games, NCCU has scored 20 touchdowns on defense and special teams, including C.J. Moore's fumble return in the 2014 opener, nine in 2013 and 10 in 2012. In that time, the Eagles have made trips to the end zone on seven punt returns, five kickoff returns, three blocked field goal returns, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. NCCU's 12 kick return touchdowns (both punt and kickoff) in the 2012-13 seasons (7 PR, 5 KOR) are more than the amount by the Eagles in the previous nine seasons combined (11 from 2003-11) and are more than any other team in the NCAA Division I-FCS.
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SIX EAGLES EARN PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE HONORSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
North Carolina Central University redshirt junior Adrian Wilkins and sophomore Michael Jones topped six Eagles that were announced to the Preseason All-MEAC Teams. Wilkins, a native of Forest City, N.C., was selected to the Preseason All-MEAC First Team as a return specialist. A multiple preseason all-America recipient, Wilkins returned five kicks (three kickoffs and two punts) for touchdowns during an all-American campaign in 2013. Jones, a native of Baltimore, Md., accomplished Preseason All-MEAC First Team recognition as a defensive back. During his rookie year in 2013, Jones ranked third in the conference with four interceptions and fourth in the league with 12 total passes defended. Four other Eagles received preseason All-MEAC recognition. Senior offensive lineman Christopher Pressley (Upper Marlboro, Md.) was named to the Second Team, while redshirt junior tight end Nathan Scruggs (Jacksonville, Fla.), junior offensive lineman Clevonne Davis (Miramar, Fla.) and redshirt junior defensive back Ryan Smith (Upper Marlboro, Md.) garnered Third Team honors.
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NCCU PICKED TO FINISH EIGHTH IN MEACÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The Eagles, under the direction of first-year head coach Jerry Mack, are predicted to finish eighth in the MEAC standings, according to a poll of the conference head coaches and sports information directors. Last season, NCCU tied for eighth place with Norfolk State after finishing with a 3-5 conference record and a 5-7 overall mark.
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NCCU LEADS NATION IN KICKOFF RETURNS IN 2013
Last season, the Eagles boasted the No. 1 kickoff return average in the NCAA Division I-FCS with an average of 26.5 yards per kickoff return (54 kickoff returns, 1,432 yards, 4 TDs). NCCU also led the nation with four kickoff return touchdowns.
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ABOUT NCCU FOOTBALL
North Carolina Central University is in its fourth season of full NCAA Division I (FCS) athletic competition as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles have won 10 conference championships as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1953, 1954, 1956, 1961, 1963, 1980, 2005, 2006) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (1972, 1973), and have made three appearances in the NCAA playoffs (1988, 2005, 2006). The Eagles won back-to-back football conference championships and a Black College National Championship in their final two years in the Division II ranks (2005 and 2006) before starting the transition to Division I in 2007. During its storied gridiron tradition, NCCU has produced 132 all-conference selections, 65 all-Americans, 40 NFL draft picks, 10 conference championships and two Black College National Championships.
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