Football | 10/31/2024 2:42:23 PM
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 31, 2024 – A Thursday night showdown between No. 19/21 N.C. Central and S.C. State kicks off Week 10 of MEAC Football. Norfolk State battles Morgan State in Baltimore, while Delaware State travels to the nation's capital to face Howard on Saturday.
Here’s a look inside this week's matchups...
No. 19/21 North Carolina Central Eagles (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) at South Carolina State Bulldogs (5-2, 1-0 MEAC)
Thursday, October 31 | Oliver C. Dawson Stadium | Orangeburg, SC | 7:30 PM
TV: ESPN2 | ESPNU – 12:00 AM (11/1) | Live Stats
North Carolina Central boasts a five-game win streak after defeating Morgan State 16-7 last week. N.C. Central remains No. 1 in MEAC offensive rankings in scoring (36.5 ppg) and rushing (181.5 ypg). RB J’Mari Taylor leads the conference in rushing with 98.8 ypg and 9.0 ppg. The Eagles rank second in defense (20.6 ppg), total defense (298.0 ypg) and pass defense (140.5 ypg). South Carolina State enters the matchup on a four-game win streak after picking up a dominant 69-35 victory over Delaware State in their last matchup. QB Eric Phoenix earned MEAC Offensive Player of the Week accolades while DL Jayden Broughton was named Defensive Player of the Week. The Bulldogs lead the MEAC in total offense (412.4 ypg), run defense (124.0 ypg), pass offense (277.0 ypg), sacks against (11). and fumble recoveries (9). S.C. State holds a 15-13 advantage in the all-time series, but NCCU secured a commanding 62-28 win in their last meeting in 2023.
Delaware State Hornets (1-7, 0-1 MEAC) at Howard Bison (3-5, 0-1 MEAC)
Saturday, November 2 | Greene Stadium | Washington, DC | 1:00 PM
TV: ESPN+ | Live Stats
Delaware State is enduring a six-game losing skid, falling to S.C. State 69-35 in their last matchup. Despite the loss, DSU QB Mikal Davis was named the MEAC Rookie of the Week while offensive tackle Jestus Johnson was the Offensive Lineman of the Week. RB Jaden Sutton ranks second in the MEAC in rushing (96.5 ypg) and all-purpose yards (112.9 ypg). Howard enters Saturday’s matchup following a disappointing one-point loss at Norfolk State, 21-20. The Bison have found success running the ball this season ranking second in the MEAC with 169.4 ypg. QB Ja’Shawn Scroggins led Howard with 268 total yards, 159 passing and 109 rushing, and two touchdowns against Norfolk State. The all-time series is tied at 40-40-1. The Bison are riding a two-game win streak, defeating DSU 17-10 victory a season ago.
Norfolk State Spartans (3-6, 1-1 MEAC) at Morgan State Bears (3-5, 0-1 MEAC)
Saturday, November 2 | Hughes Stadium | Baltimore, MD | 1:00 PM
TV: ESPN+ | Live Stats
Norfolk State enters Saturday’s contest following a thrilling one-point victory over Howard, 21-20. A 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jaylen White spurred the Spartans, who snapped a three-game homecoming losing skid. For his performance, White was named the MEAC Specialist of the Week. Norfolk State’s run game ranks third overall (161.4 avg.) with three games over 200+ rushing yards. Kevon King ranks third in the MEAC in rushing yards (74.5 ypg) with seven rushing TDs. The Spartan defense leads the MEAC in interceptions with 11 and is second in sacks with 13. Morgan State enters the matchup following a 16-7 loss to North Carolina Central in their last matchup. The Bears are ranked nationally in several categories; No. 4 in passing yards allowed (134.5), No. 5 in total defense (283.3), T-No. 12 in fumbles recovered (7), No. 12 in red zone defense (120), No. 12 in first downs defense (120) and T-No. 10 in scoring defense (17.5). DL Elijah Williams is just one sack shy of breaking the Morgan State school record for career sacks (28.5; Christopher Robinson) with 28 sacks. Saturday’s game will be the 45
th meeting between the two teams dating back to 1965. The Spartans lead the series 31-13 and have won 14 of the last 16 meetings. The Bears defeated NSU 22-7 season ago.