Michael Vick and the Norfolk State Spartans arguably played their best game of the season Saturday, mounting a serious challenge in a close 31-28 loss to the North Carolina Central Eagles. The Spartans leaned heavily on their passing attack, a significant strategic pivot that nearly resulted in a huge upset over a championship contender.
NCCU's offense was impressively effective, continuing its prolific output under quarterback Walker Harris. Harris finished the game throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns with one interception on 24-of-39 passing. His performance was essential in uplifting a mostly neutralized rushing attack for the Eagles, where Arthur Roberts Jr. led all rushers with only 80 yards.
The Spartans' offense, however, finally found its identity through the air. Quarterback Otto Khuns was sharp, tallying 197 yards and one touchdown on 18-of-26 passing before leaving the game with an injury in the third quarter.
Backup quarterback Vincent Berry stepped into the fray, immediately making an impact by throwing for 42 yards and two touchdowns on four-of-nine passing. Berry successfully led the offense in the fourth quarter, nearly pulling off the upset after digging the team out of a 28-14 deficit.
The receiving corps was the clear catalyst for Norfolk State's breakthrough: Kam’Ryn Thomas had a standout night, pulling in two touchdowns and six receptions for 96 yards, and DreSean Kendrick added six receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown. Kevon King also had his best outing of the season, rushing for 149 yards, proving that the threat of the pass helped open up the ground game for the All-MEAC back.
Norfolk State's reliance on the passing attack kept them in the game and even gave them a chance to win before turning the ball over on downs in their final possession. The Eagles then ran out the clock, securing a victory that keeps their MEAC championship hopes alive. The Eagles now prepare for a pivotal Friday night primetime matchup against the reigning MEAC champion South Carolina State Bulldogs, which will be broadcast on ESPN.
Meanwhile, Norfolk State faces two immediate concerns: The Spartans await an update on Khuns, who left the game with five seconds remaining in the third quarter after suffering a serious injury, and the Spartans next face a tough Morgan State team that, despite a loss, recently pushed DeSean Jackson's Delaware State Hornets to the absolute limit on Friday night.
