After snapping a rare two-game skid with a resounding 49-14 win over Fayetteville State, North Carolina Central head coach Trei Oliver isn’t letting emotions override preparation as the Eagles prepare for a heated rivalry matchup this weekend.
“We needed it. Lord knows we needed it,” Oliver said of the win over Fayetteville State, during a media availability this week. “It’s been a while since we lost two back-to-back here and that was rough on us.”
Quarterback Walker Harris led a balanced offensive attack, while the defense forced multiple turnovers and scored a touchdown. Despite early struggles—NCCU had just one possession in the first quarter—Oliver was pleased with how the team responded.
“I thought our offense was relatively efficient, and Walker had a big day,” Oliver said. “Still had too many drops, but I thought the defense took a step forward.”
Now the focus turns to Saturday’s Aggie-Eagle Classic against longtime rival North Carolina A&T, one of the season’s most anticipated HBCU football matchups.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Truist Stadium in Greensboro.
Oliver knows the Aggies well—both on and off the field. A&T’s head coach, Shawn Gibbs, is a close friend.
“Absolutely nothing,” Oliver said bluntly when asked if coaching against Gibbs added any personal motivation. “It’s about North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T. That’s what it’s all about.”
This will be Oliver and Gibbs’ first meeting as head coaches, though their history as colleagues runs deep. Still, Oliver stressed that the rivalry transcends coaching storylines.
“It’s a huge rivalry. Both schools hate each other,” Oliver said. “I hate to use that word, but it’s true. They do not like us, and we do not like them.”
Oliver said the rivalry hasn’t lost its edge despite A&T’s move out of the MEAC and into the CAA.
“I don’t care where these two schools meet up—it could be at a Burger King parking lot or Walmart—it’s going to get intense,” Oliver said.
When asked about his philosophy heading into rivalry games, Oliver emphasized emotional control and physicality.
“We talk about thermostat mentality—not too high, not too low,” Oliver said. “We have to control our emotions. It’s going to be a physical football game.”
Offensively, Oliver praised the team’s red zone efficiency and Walker Harris’ continued growth. NCCU went 5-for-5 in the red zone last week.
“Week by week, you’re seeing a little bit of progress,” he said.
While emotions will run high on Saturday, Oliver is adamant about maintaining professionalism postgame—no matter the result.
“As long as I’m the head coach at any program, I’m going to shake the coach’s hand that’s across the field,” Oliver said. “I don’t care if I win by 100 or lose by 100.”
The Eagles (2-2) will face the Aggies (1-2) on Saturday in Greensboro in a matchup that, per Oliver, is “going to be a great ball game, man. Great atmosphere.”
“Folks, y’all probably need to come to Greensboro and check this one out,” he said. “It’ll be a good game.”
Those Eagles will fly to Grennsboro for the W and fly back in style.