ATLANTA – Prairie View A&M used opened fast and closed strong to defeat North Carolina Central 40-24 in the 14th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Panthers jumped out to a 23-0 lead behind strong play from QB Jalen Morton and its defense. The Eagles then scored 21 straight to pull within 23-21 midway through the 3rd quarter, and again came within 2 at 26-24 with 11:17 left. But, Panthers RB Dayonya Tucker ripped off a couple of huge runs to seal it, including a 50 yard TD with 6:03 to go. Tucker had a huge day on the ground, posting 223 yards on 23 carries, a MEAC/SWAC Challenge record.
Morton was named SWAC MVP after passing for 295 yards (2 TDs) and adding 71 yards (1 TD) on the ground. NCCU QB Chauncey Caldwell was named MEAC MVP after racking up 289 total yards and 2 TDs. Prairie View’s win was the 2nd straight MEAC/SWAC Challenge victory for the SWAC, but the MEAC still leads the series 9-4.
