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Game Preview: NC Central Football Travels West to UCLA

India Powers

PASADENA, CA – North Carolina Central travels up to the west coast for a first-time FBS opponent matchup with UCLA on Saturday, September 16, in the Rose Bowl Stadium at 2 p.m. (PT).

After dominating two HBCU rivalries back-to-back, the heat gets turned up a notch as the Eagles are looking to continue their winning streak (2-0) as they take on the UCLA Bruins (2-0). Leaving the unranked Aggies (0-2), Davius Richard is almost at a record for the school with 29 career rushing touchdowns, wanting two more to match the school record that is held by former QB (1981-84), Gerald Fraylon.

“We scheduled this game so our guys can have an opportunity to play against one of the top FBS programs out there. We have a bunch of scouts come through here weekly, and they want to see our guys play against top talents,” Head Coach Trei Oliver stated.

The offense was able to work together to produce 40 carries for 218 yards with 127 passing yards. Davius Richard connected on 15 of 23 tosses while continuing to stay strong in the red zone.

Latrell Collier, running back, was named CFN’s Top HBCU Player in Week 2 after facing NCAT, led in receiving yards with three carries for 45 receiving yards and worked with Richard for 190 rushing yards resulting in 4 touchdowns.

True freshman Quarterback Dante Moore had his first UCLA career start against San Diego State, throwing 17 for 27 tosses with 290 passing yards. Their defense stayed on their toes to keep the Aztecs at bay, with running back TJ Harden leading with 91 rushing yards with a 10.1 average, resulting in 1 touchdown. Beside him were Carson Steele, Collin Schlee, and Anthony Adkins.

This matchup between UCLA and NCCU is a celebration of Black Excellence with the recognition of historical running back Kenny Washington, a former UCLA All-American football player who held a school record of 1,914 rushing yards in his college career and that lasted for 34 years.

Between the defense displayed on the field by the Eagles and the Bruins offense, this game will be a tough game on both sides of the ball. Coach Oliver believes that playing UCLA will help in the long run and emphasizes taking care of the football and not allowing the game to get away from the players early by being disciplined.