Matchup Overview

Two proud HBCU programs collide this Saturday in a non-conference showdown that promises intensity and regional bragging rights. Fayetteville State (0–2) is looking to rebound after a tough opening loss, while NC Central (1–2) aims to build momentum following a dominant win over Southern and a setbacks against New Hampshire and Old Dominion.

This matchup is steeped in HBCU football tradition, dating back to October 3, 196, when NC Central edged Fayetteville State 8–0 in their first meeting. Since then, the two programs have met 33 times, with NC Central leading the all-time series 25–8.
 

Game Details

• Kickoff: 6:00 PM ET
• Location: O'Kelly Riddick Stadium, Durham, NC
• Broadcast: ESPN+

Series Highlights:

Largest Victory:            Fayetteville State 45–7 (2003)
Closest Game:              Fayetteville State 14–13 (2001)
Longest Win Streak: NC Central, 6 games (1980–1986)
Last Meeting: NC Central won 54–31 (2012)
Last 10 Matchups (2000–2012):        Tied 5–5
Fayetteville State at Home: 3–11
Fayetteville State on the Road:   5–10

This will be the first meeting between the two schools in over a decade, reigniting a regional rivalry that has seen its share of blowouts, nail-biters, and dramatic finishes.

Keys to the Game

• Stop Chris Mosley's Momentum: Mosley has been electric, rushing for 352 yards on 55 carries (6.4 avg) through three games. He's responsible for nearly half of NCCU's rushing production and is averaging 117 yards per game. Fayetteville State must stack the box and force NCCU to beat them through the air.
• Pressure Walker Harris Without Overcommitting: Harris has completed 55.8% of his passes for 459 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INT. While efficient, he's not overly mobile—just 1 net rushing yards on 16 attempts. FSU's defense should apply pressure but maintain containment to avoid giving up big plays through broken coverage.
• Win on Third Down: NCCU has converted 30.7% of third downs (12-of-39), while opponents have converted just 30.3%. Fayetteville State must improve its own third-down efficiency (just 45.7%; 16-35) and force NCCU into long-yardage situations.
• Exploit Special Teams Gaps: NCCU's punt return average is just 4.75 yards, while opponents average 28.3 yards per return.  FSU should look to flip field position with strong returns and avoid giving up big plays on special teams.
• Red Zone Efficiency: NCCU has scored on 6 of 9 red zone trips (71%), with 5 touchdowns. Fayetteville State must tighten up defensively inside the 20 and force field goal attempts. On offense, FSU must improve its own red zone scoring rate (4-of-5).
• Limit Penalties: NCCU averages 66 penalty yards per game, while opponents average 75.6. FSU had 18 penalties for 153 yards. Discipline will be key in a game likely decided by field position and possession.

Players to Watch

• Offense: Running back Bryce Council leads the way for the Broncos with 116 rushing yards on 23 carries, averaging a solid 5.0 yards per attempt. His ability to move the chains and break off chunk plays will be key against NC Central's front. Dual-threat quarterback Demari Daniels has contributed both through the air and on the ground, throwing for 221 yards and rushing for 77, making him a versatile weapon in Fayetteville State's attack. Veteran quarterback Joe Owens Jr. has completed 73.3% of his passes in limited action and brings leadership and poise to the offense. In the red zone, Caden Davis has been a standout, scoring three rushing touchdowns on just six carries and adding seven receptions for 31 yards, showcasing his versatility. Wide receiver Unique Kelly is the top target in the passing game, hauling in 10 catches for 115 yards, including a long reception of 34 yards, and will be a key deep threat.
• Defense: Linebacker Matthew Leach anchors the unit with 17 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery, making him a disruptive force in the middle. Fellow linebacker Jamari Slade, a preseason All-CIAA selection, has added 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a pass breakup, providing pressure and leadership. In the secondary, Amari Best has recorded 14 tackles and one tackle for loss, while Keyshawn Monk has contributed eight tackles, two pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry, helping to lock down opposing receivers.
• Special teams: Tydarion Grier has been explosive in the return game, averaging 28.7 yards on kickoff returns with a long of 46 yards. Kicker and punter John Hernandez-Vargas has handled all kicking duties, converting one of three field goal attempts with a long of 36 yards, averaging 58.0 yards on kickoffs, and 34.5 yards per punt.

What's at Stake

• Momentum for the Season: NC Central (1–2) is looking to build on its win over Southern and bounce back from back-to-back losses. A win would give the Eagles a 2–2 start and confidence heading into MEAC play. Fayetteville State (0–2) is coming off a shutout loss to Benedict and a 24-31 loss to rival UNC Pembroke. A win over an FCS opponent would be a major morale boost and could set the tone for a strong CIAA campaign.
• Player Development and Exposure: This game is a showcase opportunity for standout players like Chris Mosley (NCCU) and Bryce Council (FSU) to shine on a bigger stage. With ESPN+ coverage, scouts and fans alike will be watching.
• Program Prestige: For Fayetteville State, a win over a Division I opponent would elevate the program's profile and validate its recruiting and development efforts. For NC Central, a loss could raise questions about consistency and readiness for conference play.

2025 Schedule Highlights

Season Opener: Aug. 30 @ Benedict College (Labor Day Classic, Columbia, SC)
Homecoming: Oct. 11 vs. Livingstone
Senior Day: Nov. 8 vs. Winston-Salem State
CIAA Championship: Nov. 15 in Durham, NC (if qualified)

Home Games

• Sept. 27 vs. Virginia State (Military Appreciation/Alumni Day)
• Oct. 11 vs. Livingstone (Homecoming)
• Nov. 1 vs. Johnson C. Smith (Bronco Western Rodeo)
• Nov. 8 vs. Winston-Salem State (Senior Day / BAC Appreciation)

Key Matchups & Rivalries

• North Carolina Central (Sept. 13): Historic rivalry; NCCU won the last meeting 54-31 in 2012, but FSU aims to upset the MEAC powerhouse
• Bowie State (Oct. 4): FSU won 27–24 last year, breaking a streak of championship losses to BSU
• Winston-Salem State (Nov. 8): Last year's game went to double overtime; WSSU won 37–31

Season recap

Game 1: at Benedict (Aug. 30, 2025)
Result: Loss, 0–10
The Broncos opened the season with a hard-fought defensive battle against Benedict. Fayetteville State held Benedict to just 254 total yards and one touchdown, but struggled offensively, managing only 282 yards and failing to score in their lone red zone trip. Bryce Council led the rushing attack with 63 yards, while Joe Owens Jr. completed 11 of 15 passes for 73 yards. Penalties and missed opportunities kept the Broncos off the scoreboard.

Game 2: at UNC Pembroke (Sept. 6, 2025)
Result: Loss, 24–31
Fayetteville State bounced back with a stronger offensive showing, scoring three rushing touchdowns courtesy of Caden Davis. The Broncos totaled 258 yards of offense and converted all four red zone trips. Demari Daniels threw for 119 yards and added 77 on the ground, while Unique Kelly led receivers with 6 catches for 84 yards. Despite the improved performance, the defense allowed 424 yards and four passing touchdowns, and 11 penalties for 92 yards proved costly.

Season Totals (0–2 Record)
Points Scored:               24
Points Allowed:             41
Total Offense:                540 yards
Top Performers:

• Bryce Council: 116 rushing yards
• Demari Daniels: 221 passing yards, 77 rushing yards
• Caden Davis: 3 rushing TDs
• Unique Kelly: 10 receptions, 115 yards
• Matthew Leach: 17 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
• Jamari Slade: 13 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2 sacks

NCCU vs. The CIAA
The Eagles are no strangers to the CIAA, having previously been members of the conference on two separate occasions (1928-70; 1980-2007). NCCU won eight combined CIAA football titles, including back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006. NCCU made three NCAA Div. II playoff appearances while CIAA members: 1988, 2005 and 2006. Head coach Trei Oliver is 4-0 against teams from the CIAA, including three wins over Winston-Salem State. NCCU last faced a CIAA squad in 2023, opening the season with a 47-21 win over Winston-Salem State.

NCCU at Home
North Carolina Central is 18-7 at home under head coach Trei Oliver, despite dropping its home opener two weeks ago against New Hampshire. The Eagles have finished with a winning home record in each of the last four seasons, including undefeated home campaigns in 2022 (4-0) and 2023 (5-0). The Eagles went 4-1 at home last season.

Last Time Out
NCCU (1-2) dropped its first true home game of the season, falling 54-6 to Old Dominion. Sophomore kicker Kaleb Robison kicked two field goals for the Eagles, including a career-best 39-yarder. This marked Robison's first career game with multiple made field goals. ODU held the Eagles to just 224 yards of total offense on the night and 14 first downs. NCCU turned the ball over three times.

Mosley Starting Strong
Running back Chris Mosley has come out of the gates strong in the Eagles' first two games. He ran for a game-high 182 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against Southern, en route to being named the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off MVP. The performance was the first 100-yard rushing game of Mosley's collegiate career; Mosley recorded another 100-yard rushing effort against New Hampshire, going for 106 yards on 19 carries. Averaging just over 117 yards a game on the ground, Mosley is currently second in the MEAC in rushing.

Oliver High on Johnson
Oliver expects big things out of defensive lineman Thomas Johnson this season, his fourth with the program. Johnson, a senior from Lawndale, Calif., has played in 25 career games to this point. In 2024, Johnson had 11 tackles in three games, including five tackles for loss and four sacks. Johnson was strong in the season opener against Southern, with seven tackles (two for loss), a sack, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He added six tackles and 1.5 sacks against New Hampshire.

Non-Conference Success
N.C. Central is 19-14 in non-conference games under Oliver after this past weekend's loss at Old Dominion. Over the last two-plus seasons, the Eagles are 16-6 against opponents from outside the MEAC. This includes wins over three top 25 teams (No. 25 Elon [2023], No. 25 New Hampshire [2022], and No. 5 Jackson State [2022]). This season, the Eagles will face opponents from the SWAC, CAA Football, the Sun Belt, the CIAA and the Southland Conference. NCCU will face one FBS opponent this season in Old Dominion.

Watch Out Now
Three Eagles are on the Stats Perform HBCU Player of the Year Watchlist heading into the 2025 season: quarterback Walker Harris, defensive back Malcolm Reed and offensive lineman Trevon Humphrey. All three are Preseason First Team All-MEAC honorees, and Reed is also a Stats Perform Preseason All-American.

Continuity Up Front
NCCU will have a remarkable level of experience along the offensive front, which is uncommon in college football these days, especially in the FCS. In addition to returning quarterback Walker Harris and tight end Luke Bracey, the Eagles are returning starters at all five offensive line positions. That includes Preseason All-MEAC honorees Noah McKinney and Trevon Humphrey.