DURHAM, N.C. – After Delaware State University tied the score with less than a minute left in regulation, North Carolina Central University freshman Brandon Codrington returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown, as NCCU beat the Hornets 30-23 on Saturday inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
 
Delaware State had a chance to respond to Codrington's heroics, moving the ball to the NCCU 25-yard line, but NCCU junior defensive back Bryan Mills' interception at the 4-yard line ended the threat and sealed the victory. The pick was the fourth of the season for Mills and the 13th interception by the Eagles.
 
NCCU freshman quarterback Davius Richard threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with sophomore Treveyon Pratt for 74 yards in the second quarter and junior Ryan McDaniel for 20 yards in the third quarter.
 
NCCU junior running back Isaiah Totten collected a team-high 41 yards on the ground to become just the eighth player in school history to reach 2,000 career rushing yards – now with 2,008.
 
The Eagles defense was topped by safeties Manny Smith and Deonta Fair with 10 tackles apiece, along with Stephen Stokes with seven stops and a fumble recovery. Senior defensive end Darius Royster added seven takedowns, including 1.5 hits for a loss with two assisted sacks for NCCU (3-5, 2-2 MEAC).
 
Delaware State freshman quarterback Tylik Bethea completed 16-of-29 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns, both to 6-foot-5 receiver Bizzet Woodley, who tallied seven receptions for 99 yards. Kicker Jose Romo-Martinez made three field goals, including a 45-yarder, and two extra-point kicks to account for 11 points for DSU (1-7, 0-5 MEAC).
 
Codrington's game-winning score is the first kickoff return touchdown for NCCU since Sept. 5, 2015.
 
Up next, NCCU travels to the nation's capital to face Howard University on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.