NCCU vs Southern: This Wasn't Even Close - Eagles Prove Why They're BACK with Statement Win!
Photo taken by Leroy Tyler | Pretty Girls Media
August 23, 2025 • Center Parc Stadium, Georgia State University
North Carolina Central Eagles vs Southern University Jaguars
The humid Georgia evening crackled with electricity as two proud programs stepped onto the gleaming turf of Center Parc Stadium, both carrying the weight of disappointing seasons and the burning desire for redemption. Like phoenixes rising from the ashes, the North Carolina Central Eagles and Southern University Jaguars were ready to paint a new masterpiece on the canvas of a fresh season.
The Storm Before the Battle
As the Jaguars emerged from the tunnel, waves of powder blue and gold cascaded through the stands like a vibrant sunset. The legendary Southern faithful had made their pilgrimage, transforming sections of the stadium into a sea of unwavering loyalty. Their roar echoed off the stadium walls, a thunderous proclamation that the Jaguar Nation had arrived in full force.
But the Eagles weren't about to be intimidated on neutral ground. Draped in their fierce black and gold, Central's supporters brandished their iconic eagle emblems like battle standards, ready to witness their team soar to new heights.
The Musical Warfare Begins
Before the first snap, the real drama unfolded in the stands. NCCU's Sound Machine had claimed their territory early, instruments gleaming under the stadium lights like weapons of mass entertainment. But when Southern's legendary Human Jukebox began their march into the arena, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
The Sound Machine fired the first musical salvo, their melodies slicing through the air with precision. But they were facing musical royalty – and everyone in the stadium knew it. The Human Jukebox's entrance was nothing short of theatrical mastery, each step choreographed to perfection as they took their positions like an army preparing for conquest.
The crowd's reaction told the story – cameras materialized like paparazzi at a red-carpet event, all focused on Southern's musical maestros. When the Jukebox finally unleashed their sound, it wasn't just music – it was a sonic earthquake that rippled through every soul in attendance.
The Gladiators Take the Field
At 7:44 PM, under the blazing stadium lights, the warriors finally clashed. Southern won the coin toss and, in a chess-like move, deferred to the second half – a calculated gamble that would either pay dividends or haunt them later.
The Eagles struck first blood, led by quarterback Walker Harris (#3), whose arm would prove to be a deadly weapon throughout the night. But it was Christian Mosley (#1) who emerged as Central's human bulldozer, churning through Southern's defense like a man possessed.
First Blood and Thunderous Responses
NCCU drew first blood when Arthur Rogers (#31) punched through the goal line, sending the Eagle faithful into a frenzy. The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers and band music, with the extra point sailing through the uprights like a perfectly aimed arrow. 7-0, Eagles.
But Southern wasn't about to lie down and play dead. They answered with the fury of a wounded animal. Cameron McCoy (#0) exploded for a spectacular 69-yard touchdown run that sent shockwaves through the stadium. The crowd didn't just cheer – they erupted like a volcano, with the Human Jukebox providing a soundtrack that could wake the dead. Nathan Zimmer (#38) calmly split the uprights, and suddenly we had ourselves a heavyweight fight: 7-7.
Photo taken by Leroy Tyler | Pretty Girls Media
A Tale of Two Philosophies
With 6:36 left in the first quarter, the battle lines were drawn not just on the scoreboard, but in philosophy. Southern's offense was a lightning strike – 3 plays, 80 yards, 1 minute and 24 seconds of pure electricity. They were the hare in this tortoise-and-hare tale.
Central, meanwhile, was methodical as a Swiss watch. Their 9-play, 81-yard drive consumed 6:31 of clock time, each play calculated like moves on a chess board. Mosely was their workhorse, grinding out yards with the determination of a miner digging for gold.
The Plot Thickens
As the Eagles took possession for their second drive, they continued their grinding approach, eating clock like a hungry man devours a feast. Their style wasn't flashy – some might call it boring – but it was effective as a surgeon's scalpel.
Just when it seemed Central would march into the end zone like conquering heroes, Vincent Paige Jr. (#0) delivered a bone-crushing tackle that jarred the ball loose in the end zone. The fumble recovery was like finding a diamond in the rough for Southern, giving them new life with 11:30 before halftime.
But the Jaguars squandered their golden opportunity faster than a gambler loses his luck, going three-and-out in disappointing fashion.
Discipline Meets Determination
For most of the first half, both teams played with the precision of military units – zero penalties until late in the second quarter when NCCU was flagged for holding. This wasn't just football; it was a masterclass in discipline, a testament to the coaching excellence that defines HBCU football.
Photo taken by: Leroy Tyler | Pretty Girls Media
The Second Quarter Fireworks
The Eagles continued their methodical march, but when they fumbled and recovered their own ball, Southern's defense finally awakened from its slumber. Back-to-back goal-line stands turned the Jaguars into a brick wall, forcing Central to settle for a field goal after a 12-play, 75-yard, 6-minute odyssey. 10-7, Eagles.
With 3:24 left in the half, Southern struck like lightning again. Trey Holly (#6) carried the torch on a blistering drive – 3 plays, 88 yards, 1 minute and 22 seconds of pure poetry in motion. The Jaguar faithful roared their approval as their team seized the lead heading into the two-minute warning.
But Central had an ace up their sleeve. Christian Mosley, their human battering ram, bulldozed into the end zone to reclaim the lead with just 1:40 left in the half. When Southern got the ball back, they met a ferocious Eagles defense that had transformed into hungry predators.
Halftime score: 17-10, NCCU leading.
The Battle of the Bands: A Show Within a Show
At halftime, the real entertainment began. While NCCU's Sound Machine took the field in their sleek black and white uniforms, they faced an uphill battle against musical royalty. Despite being outnumbered, they performed with the heart of David facing Goliath, delivering a medley that kept their fans engaged and energized.
But when the Human Jukebox claimed the field, magic happened. Their head drum major's entrance was pure theater – commanding, confident, and captivating. Every eye in the stadium was magnetized to their precision formations, their brass section blazing like golden fire, and their energy radiating like electricity through the crowd.
The Fabulous Dancing Dolls were pure artistry in motion, proving once again why they're considered the gold standard in collegiate dance. When the smoke cleared, Southern University had dominated the battle of the bands with the same intensity they brought to the gridiron.
The Second Half Collapse
Southern emerged from the locker room looking like they'd left their mojo in the tunnel. Whatever halftime adjustments they made seemed to work in reverse, as they came out flat as a deflated balloon. Central capitalized with surgical precision, extending their lead to 24-14 with eight minutes left in the third quarter.
Head coach Oliver had clearly lit a fire under his Eagles during the break. Central picked up the tempo like a race car shifting into high gear, maintaining their composure while Southern seemed to be unraveling like a cheap sweater.
The Eagles weren't finished. They marched down the field again and delivered another crushing blow, extending their lead to 31-14. Southern's offense looked lost in the wilderness, their early-game explosiveness now just a memory.
Photo by Dez Barnes | Pretty Girls Media
Fourth Quarter Desperation
As the final quarter dawned, the energy in Southern's section had deflated like a punctured tire. Trailing 31-14, the Jaguars tried to mount a comeback, but incomplete passes plagued them like a curse. Even when a pass interference call threw them a lifeline, they couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.
The clock management and game flow issues that had haunted them in their loss to Jackson State seemed to be rearing their ugly head again. Would these game sores continue to haunt the Jaguars throughout the season?
The final whistle mercifully ended Southern's suffering, with North Carolina Central claiming victory in this MEAC/SWAC Challenge showdown. The Eagles had soared to redemption, while the Jaguars were left to lick their wounds and search for answers in the long season ahead.
Post Game Press Conference Takeaways
Head Coach Graves stated in the post game press conference that their “goals are still in tact.” Stating how this game may be a disappointment and just means they “can’t go undefeated".” However, they still have conference play which is the most important and they have to take it week by week. Stating that if they fix the things that went wrong then they could very well be back in December for the Celebration Bowl. Hopes were high for the Jaguars and it is still a lot left to be discovered for this team as they head to play against a revamped and redemption seeking Mississippi Valley State University on the road next week.
Far as the Eagles, Head Coach Oliver opened up his statement talking about tackling and how his team “could not tackle.” He further explained how he felt his team played “above average”, and the expectation is to always play “four full quarters of football.” He wants his team to remain discipline and in full stride in the entire game, and mentioned how that is how you ultimately win it all. He also gave praises to his team for their commitment to the program and speaks on how his program has developed players and that makes all the difference. Overall, the Eagles won and Christian Mosely really showed up as the offensive leader. This team has a long road ahead but with their game planning and coaching schemes they are bound for success.
Final Score: North Carolina Central 31, Southern University 14
In the world of HBCU football, where tradition meets passion and every game tells a story, this night belonged to the Eagles. But in a season full of possibilities, both teams will have chances to rewrite their narratives and chase their championship dreams.
