Lyndon BassAfter the 41-6 win over Howard University last week, the Eagles are set to play for a second straight MEAC championship opportunity against arch rival N.C. A&T University. The Aggies are undefeated in conference and have already claimed at least a share of the MEAC title.
The Eagles have only lost one game in the conference. If they win this Saturday, they will claim a share of the MEAC title for the second straight season as co-MEAC Champions. The stakes are high for Saturday’s game as the Eagles travel to Aggie Stadium.
“I’m sure the crowd at A&T will be very loud, but I don’t think it will affect us because we have played in front of loud crowds before,” wide receiver Armani Lanier said.
“I feel like everyone is a little more hyped up for this week knowing what’s at stake and who we are playing, you watch film longer, you practice harder this is what we have been waiting for all year.”
Senior offensive linemen Clevonne Davis agreed that the away crowd wouldn’t affect their performance. “If anything, it’ll motivate us to play harder. For me personally I like big crowds, this isn’t my first championship game so it just adds fuel to the fire.”
Quarterback Malcolm Bell said he is anxious and motivated to play in his second straight championship game against the Eagle’s arch rival.
“We can’t wait,” Bell said. “It’s something that we’ve worked so hard for this year. The time is now and we don’t want to fall short. The only thing I want out of this game is a win. No matter how we get it, we just want this championship ring.”
Davis is playing his last regular season game for the year and is thankful for another championship opportunity.
“It’s a blessing,” Davis said. “Some people never get the opportunity to play in a championship and I’ve had two opportunities. To close out my college career a champion will mean the world to me. All the hard work over 4 years will be worth it. The fact that it’s against our rival will make the victory even sweeter. There’s no love for an aggie and no mercy will be shown on Saturday.”
Last season the Eagles defeated the Aggies for a share of the MEAC title in O’Kelly Riddick Stadium.
The Aggies are ranked No. 16 in the STATS FCS Top-25 poll this week, and No. 13 in the FCS Coaches poll.
NCCU’s current six-game win streak is the longest streak by the Eagles in the program’s Division I-FCS era.
The kickoff of the Aggie/Eagle classic is tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Aggie Stadium.
