MEAC/SWAC Challenge packs plenty of offense

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Cory Diserio / Valencia Voice

Tarik Cohen (No. 28) rushed for 167 yards and claimed the MEAC/SWAC Challenge MVP.

Tarik Cohen and North Carolina A&T ran all over Alabama A&M as the Aggies defeated the Bulldogs 47-13 in the 10th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Bright House Networks Stadium.

Alabama A&M started the game off with a field goal, but that would be the only lead the Bulldogs would see all day.

North Carolina A&T answered back with a touchdown run by Kwashaun Quick, giving them a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs would get another field goal, cutting the Aggies lead to 7-6, but North Carolina responded with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Tony Mcrae, giving them a 14-6 lead going into the second quarter.

North Carolina A&T would go on to add a 59-yard touchdown run from Quick, as well as an 80-yard scoring run by Cohen. By halftime the Aggies had already accumulated 210 yards on the ground and took a 38-6 lead into the locker room.

“We had 307 yards rushing, which is a pretty good day for us.” said Aggies head coach Rod Broadway after following the game. “And that’s something to build on and it’s a good start for us.”

The Aggies added another touchdown in the third quarter when Cohen scored again, this time on a 5-yard rush which gave A&T a 45-6 lead. Cohen’s rushing touchdown was the only score of the third quarter for either team.

Cohen finished the game with 167 yards on the ground, while Quick added another 99 rushing yards of his own. Both backs scored two touchdowns apiece.

Alabama A&M scored their first touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter, cutting North Carolina’s lead to 45-13, but A&T would hold on to secure their opening victory of the season.

“This means a lot, this is only the beginning,” said Cohen after the game. “We’re trying to get better, take this program in another direction, a good direction.”

With the win North Carolina A&T improves the MEAC’s record in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge to 8-2 all-time.

Besides the game, fans were treated to the “Heart & Soul Tailgate,” while also getting to enjoy the Battle of the Bands at halftime.