NORFOLK, Va. – North Carolina Central University amassed five takeaways (3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries) and six sacks, and connected on the second-longest pass play in school history during a 36-6 conference road victory over Norfolk State University at William “Dick” Price Stadium on Saturday.
Among NCCU’s five takeaways was a red-zone interception by NCCU senior safety Jaquell Taylormidway through the third quarter, keeping the Spartans off the scoreboard. Two plays later, Eagles quarterback Chauncey Caldwell connected with tight end Sherman McLeod for a 93-yard touchdown reception, the second-longest pass play in school history, to push the Eagles ahead 19-0.
NCCU (3-3, 2-1 MEAC) recorded 388 yards of total offense, including 200 yards rushing, to average 5.7 yards per play, while Norfolk State (3-3, 1-2 MEAC) managed 301 total yards for an average of 3.8 yards per play.
Caldwell accounted for 241 yards of total offense for the Eagles with 188 passing yards and 53 yards rushing, including a 5-yard touchdown scamper in the second quarter. Sophomore running back Isaiah Totten registered 108 ground yards with a 35-yard score in the fourth quarter, along with three receptions for 23 yards. Sophomore Nique Martin tallied six receptions for 44 yards for the Eagles.
Defensively, sophomore linebacker Branden Bailey posted a game-high 11 tackles, junior lineman Tavon Lofties chipped in five tackles with two sacks, senior linebacker King Kiaku contributed six takedowns with two pass break-ups and a fumble recovery, and senior lineman Randy Anyanwu added a sack and a blocked punt. NCCU interceptions were recorded by Taylor, senior safety Davanta Reynolds and redshirt freshman linebacker Patrick Connor, who also recovered a fumble.
Redshirt freshman kicker Adam Lippy made all three field goal attempts with a long kick of 38 yards, while also converting three extra-point kicks.
NCCU entered the contest ranked No. 1 in the nation in turnovers lost with just one interception in the first game of the season. On Saturday, the Eagles lost two fumbles.
Norfolk State was topped by quarterback Juwan Carter with 140 yards on 15 of 28 passing, but he threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. Marcus Taylor caught six passes for 61 yards.
Up next, NCCU travels to Delaware State on Oct. 27.
