image via Doug Burt
North Carolina Central put together a dominant performance on both sides of the football Saturday, shutting out Howard 34-0 in a MEAC matchup.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles found their rhythm offensively in the second quarter and never looked back. NCCU scored 13 points in the second quarter, added seven in the third and finished with 14 in the fourth to secure the shutout victory.
The Eagles’ defense held Howard to just 114 total yards of offense, including 44 passing yards and 70 rushing yards. Howard managed only five first downs and averaged 2.1 yards per play.
Meanwhile, North Carolina Central piled up 475 total yards, controlling the game with a balanced offensive attack that produced 198 rushing yards and 277 passing yards.
Scoring summary
0
HOW
34
Winner NCC
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOW | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NCC | 0 | 13 | 7 | 14 | 34 |
How the Eagles took control
North Carolina Central broke the scoreless tie with two field goals from R. Daniels in the second quarter. Daniels connected from 21 yards at the 14:18 mark before adding a 29-yard field goal with 2:53 remaining.
The Eagles extended their lead when N. Layne connected with T. Saunders on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 1:53 left in the half. Daniels converted the extra point to give NCCU a 13-0 advantage.
NCCU came out firing in the third quarter. J. Jones found M. Wall for an explosive 88-yard touchdown reception at the 9:27 mark, extending the lead to 20-0.
The Eagles added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Jones connected with R. Lancaster for a three-yard touchdown reception at 11:30 before scoring on a 22-yard rushing touchdown of his own with 5:52 remaining.
Daniels converted all four extra-point attempts to complete the scoring.
OFFENSIVE CUMULATIVE STATS
| STAT | HU | NCCU |
|---|---|---|
| NET TOTAL YARDS | 114 | 475 |
| NET RUSHING YARDS | 70 | 198 |
| Rushing Attempts | 26 | 40 |
| Average Per Rush | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 1 |
| Yards Gained | 100 | 219 |
| Yards Lost | 30 | 21 |
| NET PASSING YARDS | 44 | 277 |
| Completion-Attempts | 12-29 | 19-31 |
| Completion Percentage | 41% | 61% |
| Avg Per Completion | 3.7 | 14.6 |
| YAC | 13 | 130 |
| Passing TDs | 0 | 3 |
| Drops (%) | 1 (03%) | 2 (06%) |
| TOTAL 1ST DOWNS | 5 | 18 |
| Rushing 1st Downs | 2 | 9 |
| Passing 1st Downs | 1 | 9 |
| Penalty 1st Downs | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL PLAYS | 55 | 71 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 2.1 | 6.7 |
| Rushing-Passing | 26-29 | 40-31 |
The difference was on both sides of the ball
The statistical difference illustrated just how thoroughly North Carolina Central controlled the matchup.
361-yard advantage: NCCU outgained Howard 475-114.
Defensive dominance: The Eagles held Howard to just five first downs.
Passing attack: NCCU threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns.
Ground game: The Eagles added 198 rushing yards and another touchdown.
Explosive play: Jones and Wall connected for an 88-yard touchdown.
Central returns to action next week against Norfolk State. Howard has a tall order next week against defending MEAC champions, South Carolina State.
