NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State football team hits the road for a quick trip south to Durham, N.C., to face North Carolina Central in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play on Saturday, Nov. 8.
About the Game
Saturday's matchup marks the 22nd all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Eagles holding a 14–7 series advantage.
In their last meeting, North Carolina Central defeated Norfolk State 37–10 at the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, Ind. The Eagles have taken four straight and nine of the last 11 matchups overall.
A win on Saturday would give Norfolk State its first victory over NCCU since 2019, when the Spartans earned a 38–21 win in Durham.
About Norfolk State
Norfolk State (1–8, 0–2 MEAC) enters the weekend following a hard-fought 27–20 loss to Delaware State in the HBCU Battle of the Legends at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The Spartans outgained the Hornets offensively with 378 total yards, led by quarterback Otto Kuhns, who threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-34 passing.
Wideouts J.J. Evans and DreSean Kendrick fueled the passing attack, combining for 236 receiving yards and all three touchdowns. Evans posted 124 yards and two scores, while Kendrick added 112 yards and a touchdown.
Running back X'Zavion Evans added 42 rushing yards on 11 carries to balance the ground game.
Defensively, Norfolk State's front line stood tall, holding the nation's No. 1 FCS rushing offense to just 41 yards in the first half and 203 total. Ty Jones led the team with six tackles, followed by Corey Chapman and Terique Miles with five each. The defensive unit totaled five sacks, all by different Spartans, for a combined loss of 19 yards.
For the season, Kuhns has thrown for 1,896 yards, ranking 14th in the NSU record book. His 210.7 yards per game stands eighth all-time, while his 14 passing touchdowns are tied for ninth with Robert Morris (1996).
About North Carolina Central
North Carolina Central (6–3, 1–1 MEAC) enters the matchup coming off a 35–14 road victory over Howard last weekend.
Quarterback Walker Harris led the offense with a strong performance, completing 17-of-29 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns, including an 80-yard strike.
Receiver Chauncey Spikes posted a career outing with 208 yards and three touchdowns on nine receptions, while running back Arthur Rodgers added balance on the ground with 126 rushing yards on 15 carries (8.4 avg.), including a 40-yard burst.
Defensively, the Eagles recorded eight total sacks, led by Thomas Johnson (2.5 sacks) and Makai McCall (1.5 sacks). Zarion Walters and Mekhi Bigelow paced the unit with seven tackles each.
Prior to kickoff, NCCU will honor its 2025 senior class as part of Senior Day festivities.
A Look Ahead
Norfolk State returns home on Saturday, Nov. 15, for its final home game of the 2025 season, hosting Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day at William "Dick" Price Stadium. The program will recognize the 2025 senior class and pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN+.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), and @nsuathletics (YouTube), or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
