image via Doug Burt
North Carolina Central kept its MEAC championship hopes alive Saturday afternoon, overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to escape Norfolk State with a dramatic 29-28 victory at William “Dick” Price Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia.
Senior quarterback Joshua Jones connected with Mehki Wall for a 26-yard touchdown with just 27 seconds remaining, capping a thrilling comeback and preserving the Eagles’ unbeaten conference record.
NCCU improved to 5-5 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play, while Norfolk State fell to 4-6 overall and 0-3 in conference competition.
Eagles Rally After Falling Behind by 11
Norfolk State controlled the first half, taking a 21-7 advantage into the locker room. The Spartans scored twice in the opening quarter before quarterback Deljay Bailey added a six-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter.
NCCU began its comeback in the third quarter when Jones connected with Luke Bracey for an eight-yard touchdown. Riley Daniels added a 25-yard field goal later in the quarter, trimming the deficit to 21-17.
Norfolk State extended its advantage to 28-17 just 14 seconds into the fourth quarter on Jalyn Daniels’ 13-yard touchdown run.
The Eagles responded with a seven-play, 75-yard drive capped by Jones’ seven-yard touchdown run with 11:20 remaining. NCCU missed the extra point, leaving the Eagles trailing 28-23.
The decisive sequence came in the final two minutes.
After Gino Addison fumbled and Norfolk State recovered, the Spartans appeared poised to secure the victory. However, Bailey lost a fumble on the next possession, and NCCU recovered to regain control.
Jones then delivered the biggest play of the afternoon, finding Wall for the go-ahead 26-yard touchdown with 27 seconds remaining.
Norfolk State had one final opportunity, but Marco Peery missed a 37-yard field goal attempt with four seconds left, sealing the Eagles’ victory.
By the Numbers
Joshua Jones (NCCU): 156 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
Gino Addison (NCCU): 174 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Mehki Wall (NCCU): Four receptions, 38 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Tyree Saunders (NCCU): Six receptions, 60 yards and one touchdown.
Deljay Bailey (NSU): 278 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Kam’Ryn Thomas (NSU): Six receptions for 104 yards.
Jason Wonodi (NSU): Three receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown.
NCCU finished with 377 total yards, including 221 rushing yards. Norfolk State recorded 391 total yards but was unable to close out the game.
What’s Next?
North Carolina Central now turns its attention to a massive MEAC showdown against South Carolina State on Saturday, November 14, in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Both teams enter the matchup undefeated in conference play at 3-0. The winner will take sole possession of first place in the MEAC standings and strengthen its position in the race for the conference championship and Celebration Bowl berth.
