FCS Showdown: NC Central Hosts South Carolina State
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North Carolina Central will host South Carolina State in a critical Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup on Friday night, according to Sports Betting Dime. The game is set to kick off at 5:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
The Bulldogs are currently 4.5-point underdogs despite being the defending MEAC champions, and both teams come into this contest with matching 7-3 records. South Carolina State leads the conference with a perfect 3-0 record and can maintain that lead with a win, while NC Central, at 2-1 in the conference, looks to create a tie at the top of the standings.
The Bulldogs have been in excellent form, winning their last five games, and have won four of their last five matchups against the Eagles, including a thrilling 24-21 victory last year. Coach Chennis Berry has effectively utilized a dual-quarterback system with William Atkins IV and Ryan Stubblefield, providing a balanced offensive threat.
Atkins IV has thrown for 1,760 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, while Stubblefield adds a running dimension to the offense. On defense, linebacker Michael Lunz has been a standout, recording 8.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.
In contrast, NC Central's offense is led by redshirt senior quarterback Walker Harris, who has thrown for 2,732 yards and 21 touchdowns this year. Running back Chris Mosley has also been a vital contributor with six touchdowns and 864 rushing yards.
Despite their strong offensive performance, NC Central's defense has been a concern, allowing an average of 26 points per game. The Bulldogs are favored in this matchup due to their momentum and recent success in the series.
The total points for the game are set at 56.5, reflecting both teams' high-scoring capabilities, as NC Central averages 34.5 points per game and South Carolina State averages 31.9. The all-time series between these two teams is tightly contested, with NC Central leading 15-14.
Fans looking to catch this pivotal MEAC showdown should note that the game won't be available on YouTubeTV due to ongoing streaming disputes, but other platforms like Sling or Fubo will offer access.