Ryan McDaniel dives for 2-point conversion against SC State (2021)
Doug Burt
Ryan McDaniel dives for a two-point conversion. (photo by Doug Burt)
27
Winner South Carolina St. SCS 4-4 , 3-0
24
N.C. Central NCC 3-5 , 1-1
Winner
South Carolina St. SCS
4-4 , 3-0
27
Final
24
N.C. Central NCC
3-5 , 1-1
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
SCS South Carolina St. 7 7 13 0 27
NCC N.C. Central 7 6 3 8 24

Game Recap: Football |

Missed Field Goals, Penalties Costly in NCCU’s Narrow Loss to SCSU

DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University amassed 435 yards of total offense against South Carolina State University, but the host Eagles missed two field goals and an extra point, and committed nine penalties in a 27-24 loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
 
NCCU missed a 31-yard field goal try on the final play of the second quarter that would have provided the Eagles with a halftime lead. Instead, SC State held a 14-13 advantage at intermission.
 
Then, in the third quarter, the Eagles missed the mark on a 36-yard field goal attempt. It was the first two missed field goals of the season for NCCU, but the third missed extra-point kick in eight games.
 
NCCU's nine penalties resulted in 95 penalty yards and spoiled momentum at critical times. At one point in the first quarter, NCCU lined up to punt, facing fourth down and 46 yards to go.
 
On the bright side, NCCU sophomore quarterback Davius Richard accounted for 358 yards of total offense and all three Eagles' touchdowns. On NCCU's opening drive, Richard broke away from the pack and raced for a 74-yard touchdown, the longest scoring run by an Eagle quarterback in 21 years. He also completed 23 of 47 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns.
 
NCCU senior receiver Ryan McDaniel caught six passes for 63 yards, including an 18-yard, toe-tap touchdown in the fourth quarter, followed by a two-point conversion reception to pull the Eagles to within three points of the Bulldogs.
 
Andrew Smith also collected six receptions, tallying 70 yards, while Devin Smith had three catches for 66 yards with a 20-yard highlight touchdown grab.
 
NCCU's defense was topped by linebacker Cole Williams with 11 tackles and a pass deflection, while interior lineman Jaden Taylor registered nine stops.
 
SC State (4-4, 3-0 MEAC) was charged by running back Kendrell Flowers with 121 rushing yards, including a 34-yard touchdown scamper, along with a 14-yard touchdown reception. Quarterback Corey Fields, Jr., threw two touchdowns on 13-for-24 passing for 146 yards.
 
Linebacker Chad Gilchrist accumulated a game-high 12 tackles for the Bulldogs.
 
NCCU (3-5, 1-1 MEAC) returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 6, as the Eagles host Norfolk State inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or call the NCCU Ticket Office at 919-530-6530.
 
 
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