Byron ParisN.C. Central University’s Eagles experienced a devastating 59-7 loss to the #24 ranked University of California Bruins. The loss ended the Eagles seven game win streak in front of 38,343 people.
HBCU supporters from across the country were hoping that the Eagles, the number one ranked HBCU football team, would upset the Bruins in the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium. But things went downhill from the get go, and UCLA showed why they are a top 25 team. On the first play after the kick-off the Bruins passed for 67 yard touchdown.
But the Eagles offense trotted onto the field unwavered. On the third offensive play, the Eagles needed just six-yards to get their first down and continue their march down field. But a UCLA lineman intercepted a Davius Richard pass and runs it to the Eagles one yard line. The Bruins offense runs the ball in to make the game 14-0, eventually going up 33 points in the first quarter alone.
This is what the Eagles experienced all game long. Complete domination from their opponent. Allowing the Bruins to score eight touchdowns in three quarters.
The Eagles defense could not stop the Bruins offense. Allowing 614 total offensive yards in only 24 minutes of possession, with 406 of those yards coming from the ground. The Bruins had five players who had 60 or more rushing yards, they did whatever they wanted.
The Eagles were highly inefficient on offense. They only managed 232 offensive yards for the game, despite averaging a total of 342 total yards in their previous games. Quarterback, Davius Richard only had 28 passing yards with a 38% completion percentage.
The inability to move the ball, while also having the inability to stop the opposition from moving the ball is how a team loses games.
“The speed of the game and the size difference shook us,” NCCU Head Coach Trei Oliver said.
Even with the struggles the Eagles experienced during the game, the team is still the number one ranked HBCU college football team. The Eagles have to put that loss behind them because they play Mississippi Valley State this Saturday, in Indianapolis at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The Eagles are looking for a rematch against the Delta Devil’s due to the close loss they experienced last time they played.
“Mississippi Valley will get our best, I guarantee you that,” Oliver said.
