NORFOLK, Va. - The Spartan football team (0-1) faces its second straight FBS opponent this weekend when it meets Wake Forest, NSU's first-ever game against an ACC opponent. Kickoff is noon Saturday at Trius Field. The game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra and broadcast on Blazin' Hot 91.1 FM.

The Spartans played their first game in nearly two years last Saturday, dropping a 49-10 decision at Toledo. NSU did not play in the 2020-21 school year. Justin Smith accounted for NSU's lone touchdown when he caught a 47-yard TD pass late in the first quarter. Josh Nardone added a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter for NSU's other points.

SERIES HISTORY
• This marks the first series meeting between NSU and Wake Forest.
• The Spartans are 0-14 all-time against Division I FBS teams.
• Wake Forest is NSU's first-ever ACC opponent.

NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN
• Dawson Odums was named the 18th head coach in NSU history on April 21. He replaced Latrell Scott, who resigned after five seasons to pursue another opportunity.
• Odums spent 10 seasons at Southern, one as a defensive line coach and nine as head coach (2012-21). 
• He compiled a 63-35 record on the field with the Jaguars, including 53-17 in the SWAC, with one conference title.
• Odums also has served stints as an assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, N.C. A&T, Georgia Southern, Gardner-Webb and Clark Atlanta. He also served as interim head coach at Clark Atlanta in 2004.
• Odums is a native of Shelby, N.C. who played collegiately at North Carolina Central.

PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
• NSU was picked to finish second in the new-look, six-team MEAC this season. South Carolina State was the preseason favorite according to the poll of head coaches and sports information directors.
• QB Juwan Carter was voted the preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and was one 14 Spartans named to the preseason All-MEAC teams, most in the conference.
• Carter, RB Kevin Johnson, WR Da'Kendall James, TE Shawn McFarland, OL Jalen Powell and OL Justin Redd were all voted to the preseason All-MEAC first-team offense.
• Also voted to the preseason All-MEAC first team were DL De'Shaan Dixon, DL Chris Myers, DL Tavien Blackwell, DB Devyn Coles, K Josh Nardone and P Ryan Richter.
• WR Justin Smith and DB Brandon Savage were second-team selections.

ALL EYES ON THE SPARTANS
Several Spartans were named to preseason national watch lists. They include:
• QB Juwan Carter - Walton Payton Award (FCS Offensive POTY), College Football Performance Awards FCS POTY, Black College Football POTY
• DL De'Shaan Dixon - Reese's Senior Bowl watch list, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl big board.
• P Ryan Richter - FCS Punter of the Year watch list.
• WR Da'Kendall James, RB Kevin Johnson, DL De'Shaan Dixon and DB Devyn Coles were also named to the Black College Football Player of the Year watch list along with Carter.

SCOUTING THE DEMON DEACONS
• Wake Forest opened its season with a win over Norfolk's other Division I school, Old Dominion. The Demon Deacons won 42-10 on Sept. 3.
• Sam Hartman threw three touchdown passes and Christian Beal-Smith ran for two to lead Wake in the opening win.
• Wake was picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division of the ACC this year by league media.
• Receiver Jaquarii Roberson and kicker Nick Sciba were named to the preseason All-ACC team.