DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University defeated Norfolk State University, 38-24, with 13,626 in attendance for its homecoming game on Saturday evening in O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

Senior quarterback Davius Richard became the all-time touchdown leader (39) for NCCU, passing the standard held by wide receiver Robert Clark (1983-86). 

Richard finished Saturday's game by completing 9-of-16 passes with three touchdowns and 151 yards. On the ground, Richard rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown. 

On NCCU's first offensive drive, Richard completed passes to junior wide receivers Andrew Smith and Quentin McCall. The completions led to the Eagles scoring their first touchdown of the game with a 4-yard rush by senior running back Latrell Collier. 

Junior wide receiver Marseille Miller blocked Norfolk State's first punt opportunity, giving Richard and the offense the ball in the Spartans' territory. 

The following play, Richard found junior wide receiver Devin Smith in the corner of the end zone for a 38-yard touchdown. NCCU quickly extended its lead to 14-3 in the first quarter. 

At the beginning of the second quarter, Richard threw his second passing touchdown with a 31-yard strike to sophomore tight end Miles Campbell. 

NCCU's defense secured its first turnover with pressure from two junior defensive linemen. Trey Middleton came up with a strip sack and the fumble was recovered by Christian Smith at the 20-yard line. 

The Eagles converted the turnover into points with Richard punching in his record-breaking rushing touchdown of the game. 

Collier and junior running back J'Mari Taylor carried the Eagles to its fifth touchdown of the night with a four-point lead. When the Eagles reached the red zone, Richard connected with Smith for his second touchdown of the game. 

Smith led Eagle receivers with three catches for 56 yards and two touchdowns. 

Up by 11 points, the Eagles defense made a fourth-down stand to give the offense a chance to run the clock out. 

Sophomore defensive linemen Makai McCall and Thomas Johnson stepped up to force the Spartans to turn the ball over on downs. On third-and-25, McCall came away with a sack, and on fourth down Johnson pressured the Spartan quarterback to force the turnover on downs. 

Senior kicker Adrian Olivo connected on a 27-yard field goal to extend the Eagles' lead to 38-24 with 1:49 left in the game. 

Junior defensive back Kole Jones sealed the win for the Eagles with an interception. Jones ended Saturday's game with eight total tackles. 

Sophomore linebacker Jayden Flaker led the team with nine total tackles. 
 
With the victory, NCCU (8-1, 3-0 MEAC) extends its home game win streak to 10 and will travel to Howard University on Nov. 11 at 3:30 p.m.

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