After snapping a uncommon two-game skid with a powerful 49-14 win over Fayetteville State, North Carolina Central head coach Trei Oliver isn’t letting feelings override preparation because the Eagles put together for a heated rivalry matchup this weekend.
“We wanted it. Lord is aware of we wanted it,” Oliver stated of the win over Fayetteville State, throughout a media availability this week. “It’s been some time since we misplaced two back-to-back right here and that was tough on us.”
Quarterback Walker Harris led a balanced offensive assault, whereas the protection pressured a number of turnovers and scored a landing. Regardless of early struggles—NCCU had only one possession within the first quarter—Oliver was happy with how the staff responded.
“I believed our offense was comparatively environment friendly, and Walker had a giant day,” Oliver stated. “Nonetheless had too many drops, however I believed the protection took a step ahead.”
Now the main focus turns to Saturday’s Aggie-Eagle Traditional towards longtime rival North Carolina A&T, one of many season’s most anticipated HBCU soccer matchups.
Kickoff is ready for 4 p.m. at Truist Stadium in Greensboro.
Oliver is aware of the Aggies properly—each on and off the sphere. A&T’s head coach, Shawn Gibbs, is a detailed buddy.
“Completely nothing,” Oliver stated bluntly when requested if teaching towards Gibbs added any private motivation. “It’s about North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T. That’s what it’s all about.”
This can be Oliver and Gibbs’ first assembly as head coaches, although their historical past as colleagues runs deep. Nonetheless, Oliver careworn that the rivalry transcends teaching storylines.
“It’s an enormous rivalry. Each faculties hate one another,” Oliver stated. “I hate to make use of that phrase, nevertheless it’s true. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them.”
Oliver stated the rivalry hasn’t misplaced its edge regardless of A&T’s transfer out of the MEAC and into the CAA.
“I don’t care the place these two faculties meet up—it could possibly be at a Burger King parking zone or Walmart—it’s going to get intense,” Oliver stated.
When requested about his philosophy heading into rivalry video games, Oliver emphasised emotional management and physicality.
“We discuss thermostat mentality—not too excessive, not too low,” Oliver stated. “We now have to manage our feelings. It’s going to be a bodily soccer sport.”
Offensively, Oliver praised the staff’s crimson zone effectivity and Walker Harris’ continued progress. NCCU went 5-for-5 within the crimson zone final week.
“Week by week, you’re seeing a bit little bit of progress,” he stated.
Whereas feelings will run excessive on Saturday, Oliver is adamant about sustaining professionalism postgame—irrespective of the consequence.
“So long as I’m the top coach at any program, I’m going to shake the coach’s hand that’s throughout the sphere,” Oliver stated. “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 an important ball sport, man. Nice environment.”
“People, y’all most likely want to come back to Greensboro and test this one out,” he stated. “It’ll be a great sport.”
