In a game that needed an extra period to be decided, the Battle of the States ended with Norfolk State taking a 34-31 win over Virginia State.
The win marks the first in the coaching career of the Spartans’ head coach, Michael Vick, as well as the fourth win in their last five meetings against the Trojans.
Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns finished the game with 173 passing yards, completing 65% of his passes, and scoring two touchdowns.
Kevon King led the team with 63 rushing yards on nine attempts while Jaylen Laudermilk recorded 86 yards from scrimmage, including 59 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Virginia State quarterback Rahsaan Matthews followed an impressive first career start with 299 passing yards and three total touchdowns.
Top receiver Marquis Smith caught six passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, followed by Ajenavi Byrd, who had four receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.
OVERTIME THRILLER.
#GoldStandard
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— Norfolk State Football
While Norfolk State scored the first touchdown of the game, recovering a blocked punt attempt, it was a slow start for them on offense.
On the other hand, Virginia State started the game hot, scoring on its first two offensive possessions, including scoring on a 41-yard pass from Matthews to Byrd to take a 10-7 lead.
The Trojans’ defense then put another six points on the board, scoring after forcing a fumble on a Norfolk State fourth-down QB sneak attempt to take a 16-7 lead into the halftime locker room.
The onslaught continued for the Trojans in the third quarter, culminating an 86-yard drive with a trick play seeing receiver Malik Hunter connect with Matthews for a 14-yard passing touchdown.
Needing a spark, trailing 23-10 entering the fourth quarter, Norfolk State inserted Kuhns into the game, coming off the bench for starter Israel Carter.
Kuhns immediately made his presence felt, leading the Spartans to consecutive touchdown drives to take a 24-23 lead with 8:54 remaining.
Two drives later, Virginia State took the lead back on a 28-yard passing touchdown, then completed the two-point conversion to make the score 31-24.
Norfolk State then drove the ball downfield, tying the game on a 33-yard rushing touchdown by Laudermilk with 53 seconds left, effectively sending the game to overtime.
After forcing a turnover on downs on Virginia State’s overtime possession, Kuhns gained a first down on a 10-yard rush, setting up a 29-yard field goal to give Norfolk State the win.
Norfolk State will be on the road for the first time this season next week, traveling to New Jersey for a matchup with Rutgers.
Meanwhile, Virginia State will be idle next week, returning to the field September 20 in its conference opener against Winston-Salem State.
