ATLANTA — North Carolina Central running back Christian Mosley ran for 178 yards and a touchdown in front of a national television audience. His Eagles slowed down the Southern Jaguars, securing a 31-14 victory Saturday night at the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Mosley’s efforts garnered him MVP honors. With the victory, NC Central won their second MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Moreover, the MEAC has won the curtain-raising classic game 12 out of 20 times. One game was suspended due to stormy weather conditions.

On the opening drive, NC Central quarterback Walker Harris led the Eagles on a nine-play, 80-yard opening march to the endzone. Harris had an 18-yard run and Arthur Rodgers capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

Southern quarterback, and Jackson State transfer, Cam’Ron McCoy, ran a quarterback draw 69 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at seven.

In the second quarter, Southern wide receiver Darren Morris dropped what would surely be a touchdown pass. Southern would eventually punt. NC Central kicker Kaleb Robinson successfully nailed a 31-yard field goal attempt, giving the Eagles a 10-7 lead.

Trey Holly, a transfer from LSU would score on a 80-yard touchdown run, giving Southern a 14-10 lead. Holly signed with LSU as a member of the 2023 recruiting class but he was charged with attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and aggravated criminal damage to property. Every charge except for the illegal use of a weapon would later be dropped. LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly told Holly he cannot return to the team until his legal issues were resolved. As a result, Holly transferred to Southern.

North Carolina Central wins the line of scrimmage

Meanwhile, it would be the final time the Jaguars would score Saturday night.

“I’m disappointed in the way that we played,” Southern coach Terrence Graves said. “We didn’t play the way that we’re capable of playing. And we got to go and fix some things and get back on the drawing board so we can get on pace to do what we need to do.”

The Eagles slowed down Southern’s run-pass option (RPO) plays by sliding their defensive linemen in certain interior gaps. It forced the Jaguars to run the ball wide, resulting in NC Central taking away Southern’s running attack. As the game wore on, Southern could not run the ball as well. Both of their quarterbacks, McCoy and Jalen Woods, threw for a combined 92 yards.

“It’s a blessing,” Mosley said after the game. “I want to thank my coaching staff for trusting me. It starts with the [offensive] line, man, we we got the best o-line in the MEAC. You start with those boys. So running behind them makes my job easier. All I got to do is make one or two [players] miss. I already got the speed. So is the rest is history.”

What’s Next

North Carolina Central will host their home opener on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome New Hampshire to O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM Eastern Time on ESPN+. Meanwhile, Southern will travel to Itta Bena, Miss. to take on the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM Central Time on SWAC TV.

“Man, we love classics! Orange Blossom, Circle City, and the Celebration Bowl,” exclaimed North Carolina Central Head Coach Trei Oliver. “You know, we’re going to show up when the lights are on. And you know, it’s the opportunity when you have a chance to play in venues like this and those big games, I relish that. And these young men, we talk about it. Not everybody has an opportunity. So we prepare and thank God we’ve been able to come out on top. But you know, I didn’t play in venues like this. And when I was in school, I didn’t have these opportunities. So these guys right here, I try to explain to them, we’ve got to make the most of it. And, you know, be opportunistic as they prepare to be champions. We’ve been able to make the most of and have some success.”

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