North Carolina Central opened fall football practice on Friday with high expectations. The Eagles finished third in the MEAC last season, good for many teams, but not by NCCU standards. NCCU finished 8-4 last season, the first time the Eagles failed to finish first or second in the conference since before the COVID-19 pandemic. AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementThe Eagles were predicted to finish second this season, according to media polling, but the team is working hard to set its sights higher. Oliver said the focus is on getting better every day throughout camp and working to get better every week during the season.