WASHINGTON, D.C. – North Carolina Central University suffered its first setback to an FCS opponent in more than a year, as Howard University amassed 521 yards of total offense during a 50-20 victory inside Greene Stadium on a chilly Saturday in the nation's capital.
The seventh-ranked Eagles entered the contest riding a six-game win streak and elevating to their best national ranking at the Division I level. NCCU's last loss to an FCS foe was on Oct. 22, 2022, against South Carolina State University.
As the host Bison tallied 244 yards and four touchdowns on the ground and 277 yards and three scores through the air, their defense restricted NCCU to just 198 yards of total offense and 10 first downs.
NCCU managed to register two explosive plays. Quarterback
Davius Richard broke away for a 76-yard touchdown run, the longest rush by an Eagle since 2017, while
Brandon Codrington scored on an 85-yard punt return, the fourth-longest in NCCU history. Codrington also had an 81-yard punt return touchdown earlier this season.
Richard finished the afternoon with a team-best 91 rushing yards, while completing 11-of-25 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown toss to
Twan Flip Jr.
Sophomore linebacker
Jayden Flaker recorded a game-high 11 tackles with a stop for a loss to top NCCU.
NCCU (8-2, 3-1 MEAC) will host Delaware State University on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. for senior day. A win by the Eagles and a Howard loss to Morgan State University would provide NCCU with a second straight MEAC championship.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
