DURHAM, N.C.- Posting a total of 530 yards and scoring eight touchdowns by six different Eagles, North Carolina Central University is tied for first place in the MEAC after winning 59-20 over Morgan State University inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Thursday night.

NCCU ended the first half with a 42-13 lead over MSU, the most points scored by the Eagles in a half in 17 years. During the first half, NCCU accounted for 367 yards with 193 yards on the ground.  

Quarterback Davius Richard completed 17-of-24 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns for the Eagles. Richard also rushed for 66 yards on nine attempts for two more scores, bringing him to a career-high of six touchdowns.  

The Eagles also had an impressive game on the ground. Rallying for a total of 292 rushing yards on 50 attempts, Latrell Collier collected game high of 112 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.0 yards on 16 attempts. 

E.J. Hicks led NCCU receivers with five receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. Devin Smith accounted for two touchdowns on three catches. 

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Quantez Mansfield racked up six tackles with 3.0 hits for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Both linebacker Jaki Brevard and defensive back Khalil Baker tallied four tackles each.  

NCCU forced two turnovers, a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Thomas Johnson and an interception by defensive back Malcolm Reed. 

Morgan State (2-4, 0-2 MEAC) recorded a total of 259 yards and forced two turnovers. 

Up next, NCCU (5-1, 1-0 MEAC) will travel to play defending MEAC champions SC State on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m.