Preview: NC Central Eagles vs. WSSU
DURHAM, NC – The NC Central Eagles will face off against the Winston-Salem State University Rams in a season-opener on Saturday, September 2nd in O’Kelley-Riddick Stadium at 4 p.m.
This rivalry dates back to 1945 and travels up to when both teams broke off the HBCU matchup in 2010, with an ultimate return in 2021 when NCCU set up their victorious streak towards 2023 leading the series 24-22. In the most recent game, the Eagles defeated the Winston-Salem Rams 41-0.
“We have a tough opponent coming in here early, although a Division II, Winston-Salem State is a well-coached team, and we will definitely have to be prepared for this home opener.” NCCU Head Coach Trei Oliver said.
The NCCU Eagles put up 38.58 ppg in the 2022 season. Quarterback, Davius Richard, who was named last year’s Offensive MVP of the Cricket Celebration Bowl, has made his mark on the Eagles football team breaking the single-season records for pass completions (199), pass completion percentage (64.0%), and total offense (3,449 yds). He also led the MEAC with 25 passing touchdowns, 15 rushing touchdowns, and 2,661 passing yards.
Richard is an all-around dual-threat quarterback on the field, but the defense against the Rams includes a 2022 HBCU All-American Defensive Back, Khalil Baker. Through the 2022 season, he was very rapid on his feet and efficient with 51 tackles including 38 solo, 2.0 stops, and 5 pass breakups while recovering a fumble last season.
The Eagles have built up a team as they continue their success and chase another MEAC championship and Celebration Bowl Title.
In terms of Winston-Salem State, the Rams football team was recently picked Fourth in their Division with a 7th overall in the preseason Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). In the recent year, their season was completed 3-6.
Wide receiver, RJ Mobley, is an explosive and experienced player. As the Rams count on him, in the 2022 season he was named the Black College Hall of Fame Offensive Player of the Game during the NC Central matchup. He totaled 21 receptions for 442 yards ending with 5 touchdowns in last year’s campaign.
On the flip side of the ball, defensively the Rams were able to hold opponents for less than 100 yards per game on average (99.9 ypg). Last year, linebacker, Jasahn Rankin led the team with 54 total tackles with 27 of them being solo. He also contributed 1 interception and 2 sacks.
WSSU is hoping to put up a better fight against NC Central after last year’s performance.
NC Central is predicted to repeat as champions in the MEAC conference defending the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl title, the HBCU national championship. This season-opening game has an undisputed HBCU rivalry matchup that many look forward to.