ATLANTA — North Carolina Central dominated the second half to defeat Southern 31-14 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Center Parc Stadium, turning a nail-biter into a convincing victory that showcased the Eagles’ depth and resilience in Week Zero.
Walker Harris quarterbacked the Eagles with precision, completing key passes that kept drives alive, while running backs Arthur Rodgers Jr., Chris Mosley and Aleni Mageo pounded the ground game into submission. Harris connected on a crucial 3-yard touchdown pass to Kyron Morgan in the third quarter, capping a methodical drive that exploited Southern’s weary defense. Mosley’s 49-yard scamper late in the second quarter flipped momentum, as he burst through a gaping hole created by the offensive line and outran Jaguars defenders to the end zone.
The First Half
The Eagles struck first in the opening quarter when Rodgers plunged in from 1 yard out after a 13-play, 80-yard march that chewed up over seven minutes. Southern answered swiftly, as Ckelby Givens orchestrated a quick strike capped by Cornelius McCoy’s explosive 69-yard touchdown run, knotting the score at 7-7. That big play highlighted the Jaguars’ potential for chunk yardage, a theme in the first half where their speed threatened to derail NCCU’s plans.
Southern’s band, the Human Jukebox, electrified the crowd during halftime and timeouts, their rhythmic precision and high-energy routines drawing roars from fans packed into the Atlanta venue. The performance impressed even neutral observers, underscoring the cultural spectacle that defines HBCU football matchups. Yet on the field, the Jaguars struggled to maintain consistency against NCCU’s swarming defense in the second half, led by linemen like Christian Smith and Makai McCall, who disrupted plays and forced hurried decisions.
The first half remained tight, with NCCU edging ahead 17-14 at the break. Kicker Kyle Robison nailed a 31-yard field goal to give the Eagles a brief 10-7 lead, but Southern’s Taj Holly exploded for an 80-yard touchdown run, showcasing the Jaguars’ ability to strike from anywhere. Mosley’s response run ensured NCCU entered halftime with the slim advantage, but the game’s tenor shifted dramatically after intermission.
The Second Half
NCCU’s coaches adjusted brilliantly, tightening coverage and blitzing more aggressively to contain Southern’s run game. The Eagles pulled away in the third quarter after a wonky punt by Southern, scoring twice to build a 31-14 cushion. Harris’s touchdown toss to Morgan came after a takeaway set up short field position, while Mageo’s 6-yard plunge finished a 55-yard drive that featured balanced play-calling—mixing Harris’s arm with ground-and-pound rushes.
Southern mounted a valiant comeback bid in the fourth, driving deep into Eagles territory on a lengthy possession that ate clock and tested NCCU’s resolve. Quarterback Givens found rhythm, hitting receivers like Carlus Griffin for gains that moved the chains. But disaster struck in the red zone with 9:47 remaining, as a fumble—forced by NCCU’s opportunistic defense—halted the march and handed possession back to the Eagles. From there, NCCU milked the clock with a punishing run game, Rodgers and Mosley grinding out first downs to seal the win.
What It Means for NCCU Eagles and Southern Jaguars
The spread favored NCCU by 10.5 points, and the Eagles covered with ease, thanks to their second-half surge that outscored Southern 14-0. Both teams flashed brilliance: Southern’s big-play capability in the first half suggested they could contend in the SWAC, where explosive offenses often decide titles. NCCU, meanwhile, demonstrated championship poise, their defense bending but rarely breaking, and their offense adapting to exploit mismatches.
EasySportz provided boots-on-the-ground coverage all night, capturing every pivotal moment from the press box and will continue delivering in-depth analysis throughout the season.
As MEAC contenders, the Eagles eye a return to the Celebration Bowl in December at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where their balanced attack could propel them deep into the season. Southern, despite the loss, showed enough spark—particularly in their rushing attack led by McCoy and Holly—to challenge for SWAC supremacy and potentially meet NCCU again in Atlanta for the HBCU national title game.
Woodward Academy product and Atlanta local, Jalen Woods came into the game for the Jaguars in the 4th Quarter to mount one final drive down the field.
Woods gained valuable experience entering the game, which could help Southern’s QB room and experience as the season builds.
Meanwhile, Josh Jones entered the quarterback on the final drive for NC Central while leading 31-14, to gain experience.
Attendance + More
16,191 fans attended the game at Center Parc Stadium and enjoyed the tremendous halftime performance.
The opener lived up to the hype for 30 minutes of football, a back-and-forth affair fueled by athleticism and strategy, before the bands dominated the halftime intermission. But NCCU’s superior execution turned it into a rout, a testament to head coach Trei Oliver’s preparation and big game success.
Harris finished with efficient numbers, avoiding turnovers while distributing the ball to a talented receiving corps including Darryl Taylor and Chauncey Spikes. On defense, linebackers like Donquarius Parker swarmed ball carriers, limiting Southern’s options after those early fireworks.
For Southern, under coach Terrence Graves, the Jaguars must shore up their pass protection—Givens faced constant pressure—and convert red-zone opportunities to maximize their speed merchants. Amariyan Asberry and other young talents in the backfield offer promise, but consistency will determine their conference fate.
In a game that blended thrilling action with cultural flair, NCCU emerged victorious, setting a tone for what could be a memorable campaign. Both squads depart Atlanta with lessons learned and aspirations high, ready to battle through their respective conferences toward that coveted December spot in the Benz.
Takeaways from Saturday included NCCU’s strength in all facets of the game, plus Southern’s incredible musical talent in the stands. The Human Jukebox stole the show as they often do, once again.
That’s all from the Capital of College Football in Atlanta! NCCU defeats Southern 31-14 to cap off Week Zero. Chris Mosley, the NCCU running back, is your game MVP.
“I just want to thank God, my coaches and my O-Line, thank you to everybody,” said Mosley in the postgame celebration.
A day that started in Dublin and spanned across the Globe to Honolulu is now complete. The Eagles are victorious and well en route to a historic season.
Next up? The Boise State Broncos head East to face a resurgent USF Bulls team in Tampa on Thursday night. The Broncos look to begin the post Ashton Jeanty era with a bang.
EasySportz has you covered all week long, as we build up to Lee Corso’s final appearance on College Gameday and toe meets leather.
Welcome back, folks! It’s going to be a magical year of football!
Week Zero is in the books and the full menu of football is now up next. Buckle up!
Signing off from the former grounds of your Atlanta Braves, goodnight!
