NCCU Football Named FCS National Team Of The Week; Climbs Into Top 10 Of AFCA FCS Poll

DURHAM, N.C. – After capturing a road victory over a nationally-ranked opponent to improve to 5-1 on the season, North Carolina Central University has been named the FedEx Ground FCS National Team of the Week, announced by Stats Perform on Monday (Oct. 9).

The Eagles posted their 500th all-time victory behind eight sacks and another big performance by quarterback Davius Richard (285 yards of total offense, four total touchdowns) to defeat then-No. 25 Elon University, 34-23. Down 10-0 after the first quarter, they scored 28 unanswered points over the second and third quarters, with Latrell Collier’s 63-yard touchdown run putting them ahead for good.

Entering the contest, Elon was riding an eight-game win streak at home, and the Phoenix had not allowed a touchdown inside Rhodes Stadium for 15 quarters. NCCU made five visits to the end zone to snap both streaks.

Under the direction of head coach Trei Oliver, NCCU is ranked No. 14 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll, presented by FedEx Ground, in addition to being named FedEx Ground FCS National Team of the Week

In the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS Top 25 poll, North Carolina Central University has climbed into the top 10 of the national rankings for the first time as a NCAA Division I program. It was announced on Monday that the Eagles moved up two spots to No. 9.

NCCU improved its record to 5-1 following Saturday’s road victory over nationally-ranked Elon University. The No. 9 ranking is the highest the Eagles have been positioned in the top 25 since reclassifying to Division I-FCS in 2011.

The Eagles have this week off before opening MEAC play at Morgan State University on Thursday, Oct. 19 on ESPNU at 7:30 p.m.

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