As the MEAC football season approaches its climax, South Carolina State (7-3, 3-0 MEAC) will face North Carolina Central (7-3, 2-1 MEAC) in a crucial Week 12 matchup that holds significant championship implications. Both teams enter the contest with an identical record of 7-3, setting the stage for a pivotal clash at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.
South Carolina State has made a remarkable run, currently riding a five-game winning streak that has propelled them to the top of the conference standings alongside Delaware State. Quarterback William Atkins IV has been instrumental in their success, throwing for 1,711 yards and 15 touchdowns, while running back Tyler Smith leads the rushing attack with 441 yards. Wide receiver Jordan Smith has also emerged as a vital asset, recording 623 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season.
On the defensive side, SC State has proven to be a formidable opponent, conceding just 81 rushing first downs all season. They rank among the best in the MEAC in pass defense, allowing an average of 192 yards per game. Linebacker Jordan Franklin is a key contributor, leading the team with 50 tackles and two interceptions, while the team has overall excelled in maintaining a positive turnover ratio.
North Carolina Central, meanwhile, boasts one of the conference’s most potent passing offenses, driven by quarterback Walker Harris. Harris has thrown for an impressive 2,732 yards and 21 touchdowns, and has a stellar completion rate of nearly 64 percent. Supporting him are standout receivers Chance Peterson and Chauncey Spikes, who have combined for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. The Eagles also benefit from running back Chris Mosley, who has accumulated 829 rushing yards and six touchdowns, contributing to an average of 34.3 points per game.
Defensively, NCCU relies on the efforts of linebacker Max U’Ren, who leads the team with 52 tackles, and defensive back Jelani Vassell, who tops the MEAC with three interceptions. However, their defense has been tested, allowing 221 first downs, including a significant number through the air—a potential vulnerability against the increasingly confident SC State aerial attack.
The impending showdown, featuring the league’s top team against its third-ranked squad, promises to be thrilling as both teams aim for a postseason berth. South Carolina State’s current momentum sets up an intriguing battle against North Carolina Central’s offensive capabilities.
In terms of predictions, the advantage may lean slightly towards North Carolina Central due to their explosive passing attack. Harris and his receiving core possess the ability to make significant plays, which could prove vital in a closely contested game. While SC State’s solid defense should keep the score competitive, NCCU’s offensive balance and proficiency in red-zone situations could tip the scales in their favor.
Kickoff for this high-stakes matchup is scheduled for 5:30 PM Eastern Time and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN2, with streaming options available through the ESPN app and website. Fans without traditional cable subscriptions can utilize free trial options from services like DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo TV to catch the action.