ORANGEBURG, S.C. - North Carolina Central University had two touchdowns negated by holding penalties, missed two field goals, and threw an interception in field goal range in the fourth quarter, as the Eagles suffered a 26-24 defeat to defending MEAC champion South Carolina State University on Saturday in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

NCCU (5-2, 1-1 MEAC) outgained the Bulldogs 420 total yards to 386, including 243 yards rushing, but SC State quarterback Corey Fields completed 21 of 31 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Shaquan Davis with six catches for 116 yards and two end zone visits.

Latrell Collier paced the Eagles' offense with 140 yards on the ground, including a 60-yard touchdown run. 

NCCU quarterback Davius Richard threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns, a 48-yard bomb to Quentin McCall and a 17-yard toss to E.J. Hicks, while adding 80 yards rushing. Richard had his FCS-best streak of 10 games with a rushing touchdown come to an end, as both of his scoring runs were wiped off the board due to holding penalties.

Safety Manny Smith topped the Eagles' defense with eight tackles, lineman Jaden Taylor registered seven takedowns, including a pair of hits for a loss, while safety Khalil Baker contributed six stops and a pass break-up.

As Saturday's contest played out, the circumstances were eerily similar to the Eagles-Bulldogs match-up from a year ago. Last season, NCCU also missed two field goals and had a touchdown called back due to a holding penalty in a 27-24 loss to SC State in Durham.

Up next, NCCU visits Delaware State University on Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. for DSU's homecoming game.

For more information about NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.