Box Score
DURHAM, N.C.- In a defensive battle between two Independent teams, North Carolina Central walked away with a 10-7 win over Savannah State in a season-ending contest for both squads at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Savannah State ends the season with a 5-7 mark, the most wins for the program since 1999, while NCCU improved their record to 4-7.
The Eagles scored on their second possession of the game, using a 48-yard pass play from Keon Williams to Deshawn Spears to setup a 42 yard field goal by Brandon Gilbert.
With 3:44 left in the opening quarter, the Eagles led 3-0.
Savannah State quarterback Kurvin Curry threw a interception on SSU's next possession that was picked off by David Ingram at the Tigers 36.
The turnover along with a 25 yard pass completion from Williams to Wayne Blackwell gave NCCU a first down at the SSU 12. Four plays later, Tim Shankle ran for a five yard score with 13:42 left in the second quarter. Gilbert converted the extra point and the Eagles led 10-0.
Savannah State got their offense going on their second possession of the third quarter as Curry tossed a 30 yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Isaiah Osborne with 3:49 left in the quarter. Derek Williams booted the extra point and the Tigers trailed 10-7.
A key play on the 51 yard drive was a 12 yard run by Daniel Studdard.
NCCU drove to the Tigers' 31 on their next series but the drive was halted when Marcus Darrisaw made a interception at the SSU one.
Central drove to the SSU nine on the following possession but Chris Herans recovered a Williams fumble at the SSU 14 to stop another drive, early in the fourth quarter.
Neither team could generate much offense after that and the game ended with the Eagles taking home a close win before a crowd of 4,027.
SSU was only able to produce 122 yards of offense and the quarterback was sacked four times. The Eagles had 330 yards of offense but drew 11 penalties for 102 yards.
Curry completed 8-of-18 passes for 99 yards and had one pass intercepted. Osborne caught two passes for 59 yards and a score while Studdard ran eight times for 41 yards. Javorris Jackson was in on 16 tackles while Calvin Leonard had 11. Derek Williams punted six times but five landed inside the Eagles 20.
Shankle led NCCU in rushing with 88 yards and a touchdown. Williams passed for 216 and a touchdown and Will Scott caught five passes for 83 yards. Troy McConico had 10 tackles.
