Virginia State 22, N.C. Central 7

DURHAM, NC -- North Carolina Central University failed to take care of the pigskin during a home-opening 22-7 loss to Virginia State University at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, NC.

NCCU (1-2, 0-1 CIAA) lost three of seven fumbles and threw an interception, while VSU (2-1, 1-0 CIAA) did not commit a turnover. The Trojans turned three Eagle turnovers into 15 of their 22 points.

The VSU combination of quarterback Kevin Jones and running back Rashad Cook proved too much for the Eagle defense. Jones completed 13-of-24 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. Cook rushed 22 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, while also completing a 39 yard pass to set up another Trojan score.

NCCU junior running back Donnie Pippen ran for a career-high 123 yards on 21 touches without a fumble. Quarterback Lawrence Fuller completed 4-of-9 passes for 62 yards and rushed for 24 yards and the lone Eagle touchdown.

VSU defensive lineman Neil Purvis amassed a game-high 9 tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble, while fellow lineman Dewayne Wilson tallied 7 hits with 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Rookie defensive back Sean Wade was everywhere for the Trojans with 3 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and an interception.

Luis George and Xavier Lock topped Eagle defenders with 8 tackles each.

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