DURHAM, N.C. – After months of uncertainty, North Carolina Central revealed its 2021 football schedule for the fall season that features 11 games, including five home games, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and non-conference matchups with North Carolina A&T and Winston-Salem State.
On Sept. 5, NCCU will kick off the second season in Atlanta versus Alcorn State in the 16th edition of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge inside Georgia State Stadium.
The Eagles will then play five more non-conference games. First, they will travel to Huntington, West Virginia, to take on Marshall on Sept. 11.
Then on Sept. 18, the Eagles will play their first home game at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, as they host old CIAA foe Winston-Salem State. This will be the 45th meeting between the Eagles and the Rams with the series tied at 22-22, and the first matchup between the schools since 2010.
In Week 4, NCCU hits the road to Greensboro to play rival North Carolina A&T on Sept. 25.
October begins with NCCU traveling to Itta Bena, Mississippi, to take on Mississippi Valley State University, on Oct. 2.
In the final non-conference contest, the NCCU Eagles host Tennessee Tech on Oct. 9.
After a week off, the Eagles will open MEAC competition when they take a trip to play Morgan State in Baltimore on Oct. 23.
On Oct. 30, the Eagles will host South Carolina State. NCCU and Bulldogs have traded the last few meetings, but SC State leads the series 13-12.
Read: North Carolina Central latest HBCU to skip spring football season due to COVID-19 uncertainty
NCCU celebrates homecoming on Nov. 6 versus Norfolk State. The Eagles have defeated the Spartans in five out of the last seven matchups and hold a series lead at 10-7.
For their final road trip, the Eagles will visit Howard on Nov. 13. NCCU has won eight straight matchups with the Bison to take a 13-9-1 advantage in the series.
The regular season comes to a close on Nov. 20, as the Eagles will host Delaware State in the seniors’ final game at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. NCCU owns a 19-7 series lead over the Hornets.
North Carolina Central 2021 fall schedule
Sep. 5 Alcorn State (Atlanta, Georgia)
Sep. 11 at Marshall
Sep. 18 vs. Winston-Salem State
Sep. 25 at North Carolina A&T
Oct. 2 at Mississippi Valley State
Oct. 9 vs. Tennessee Tech
Oct. 23 at Morgan State
Oct. 30 vs. South Carolina State
Nov. 6 vs. Norfolk State
Nov. 13 at Howard
Nov. 20 vs. Delaware State
Courtesy: NCCU Athletics
