NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State football team will play its final home game of the 2024 campaign on Saturday afternoon, facing Delaware State at 12 p.m. on Saturday afternoon in William “Dick” Price Stadium.
The Spartans (3-7, 1-2 MEAC) enter the game off a bye week, getting an opportunity for much-needed rest and recovery before the home battle with the Hornets (1-9, 0-3).
“We’ve got some guys down the stretch that we’re looking to play this week,” Odums said. “We got banged up a little bit in the Morgan game, so we were able to heal up. It looks like we’re going to be pretty healthy. It’s always good to get a little break, especially this late in the season.”
The Spartans look to bounce back from a 38-37 overtime loss to Morgan State on Nov. 2, a back-and-forth showdown that came down to the final play of the ballgame. Norfolk State completed 13-of-18 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, while Kevon King added 117 rushing yards on 24 attempts.
Delaware State aims to snap an eight-game losing streak, dating back to September. The Hornets picked up their lone victory of the season at Sacred Heart, a team that would narrowly defeat Norfolk State a few weeks later.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Norfolk State will recognize 10 seniors for their contributions to the school’s football program.
- Amadeu Vital
- Christopher Jones
- Jacquez Jones
- Sage Beuchert-Irvine
- Devon Allen
- Terron Mallory
- Gregory Perkins
- Ricky Harleston
- Keshon Artis
- Garrison Wheatley
Saturday also marks Military Appreciation Day at Dick Price Stadium, as Norfolk State celebrates and acknowledges those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.
Fans can watch Norfolk State face off against Delaware State on ESPN+, with radio coverage available on nsuspartans.com
ABOUT THE GAME
- Saturday’s matchup marks the 25th meeting between the two schools
- NSU will honor its seniors prior to the game
- Norfolk State won last years meeting 44-21 in Dover, Del.
- Norfolk State head coach Dawson Odums is in his fourth season
- Delaware State head coach Lee Hall is in his second season
ABOUT NORFOLK STATE
- Norfolk State fell to 3-7 on Nov. 2, with an overtime loss to Morgan State 38-37
- Amadeu Vital recorded 6.0 tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, with two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a quarterback hurry.
- The loss marked NSU’s first overtime game since Nov. 6, 2021 against North Carolina Central
- The Spartans lead the MEAC and rank 15th in FCS with 11 interceptions
- NSU has intercepted three passes in a single game three times this season (at ECU 8/31, at VMI 9/21, vs. Towson 10/12)
- Defensively, AJ Richardson leads MEAC with 88 total tackles, including 26 solo tackles
- Quarterback Jalen Daniels ranks fourth in the MEAC in total offense, averaging 139.0 yards per game
ABOUT DELAWARE STATE
- Delaware State fell to 1-9 last week, following a 36-28 loss at home to Morgan State
- Redshirt sophomore quarterback Marqui Adams leads the Hornets in passing with 1,024 yards and seven touchdowns
- The Hornets average 311.5 yards per game this season
- DSU averages 171.3 passing yards per game, ranking fourth in the MEAC
- Graduate running back Jaden Sutton leads the MEAC in rushing yards with 957 yards that includes 10 touchdowns