DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University sophomore quarterback Davius Richard threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns on 32 pass completions, just one away from the school record, but Tennessee Tech rushed for more than 200 yards as the visiting Golden Eagles defeated the NCCU Eagles, 27-16, on a rainy Saturday afternoon inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
 
Richard's 32 completions on 48 pass attempts nearly matched the NCCU single-game record of 33 completions by Earl "Air" Harvey on Nov. 9, 1985, at Johnson C. Smith. Richard also ran for a team-high 23 yards to amass 336 yards of total offense.
 

The quarterback's favorite target continued to be senior receiver Ryan McDaniel, who finished the day with 10 catches for 81 yards, bringing his MEAC-high receptions total to 37 through six games. Tyler Barnes collected five grabs for 37 yards, while Devin Smith contributed five catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Smith added two catches for 75 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown reception.
 
The NCCU defense forced two turnovers, courtesy of a Manny Smith interception and a forced fumble by JuJuan Hudson that was recovered by Brandon Codrington. Linebacker Noah Rainbow-Douglas registered a team-high eight tackles, while Travon Wallace, Cole Williams, and Hudson posted six stops each.
 
Tennessee Tech (2-4) was charged by running back David Gist with 143 rushing yards, averaging 7.5 yards per run, plus an 18-yard touchdown reception. TTU quarterback Willie Miller threw for 145 yards and rushed for 24 yards and a score.
 
NCCU (2-4) has an open week before beginning conference play at Morgan State on Oct. 23 in Baltimore, Maryland.