DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University defeated the South Carolina State University Bulldogs, 62-28, with an efficient night from the Eagles' offense. NCCU senior quarterback
Davius Richard finished Thursday night with five passing touchdowns on 352 yards through the air, while adding two rushing touchdowns in O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
The last time NCCU scored at least 60 points in a game was in 2016, when the Eagles defeated Saint Augustine's University, 65-7.
The 10th-ranked Eagles scored two 60-yard touchdowns in the first half. On NCCU's first drive, junior running back
J'Mari Taylor found the end zone for his first score of the night on third-and-eight. Richard, who did not play in the fourth quarter, was able to hit Taylor down the sideline for the early 7-0 lead.
The second 60-yard touchdown came from junior wide receiver
Devin Smith, who hauled in all four of his targets for 103 yards.
Taylor's second receiving touchdown came in the third quarter. Open in the flats, Richard connected with Taylor for a 26-yard score.
The Eagles' defense displayed their share of big plays with a forced fumble in the first quarter by junior
Kole Jones that was returned for a 20-yard touchdown by sophomore linebacker
Max U'Ren.
U'Ren and Jones led the Eagles' defense with six tackles each.
Taylor ended the night with 73 rushing yards and completed 4-of-5 targets with 100 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Fellow Eagles who scored in Thursday night's game were sophomore wide receivers
Chauncey Spikes and
Twan Flip Jr. Spikes hauled in a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter and Flip caught a 30-yard touchdown.
The special teams unit showcased its effort in the win with a recovered fumble by senior
Romeo Stancil late in the third quarter to put the Eagles up 62-21.
NCCU amassed a season-high of 482 yards of total offense in Thursday night's triumph.
With the victory, NCCU (7-1, 2-0 MEAC) extends its home game win streak to nine and will host Norfolk State University for its homecoming game on Nov. 4 at 3:30 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
