NORFOLK, Va. (Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletics) – Putting together a gritty effort on both sides of the ball, Norfolk State ended its home draught with a hard-nosed 28-23 win over rival Virginia State.

Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Daniels completed 14-of-21 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown in the Battle of the States, sponsored by State Farm and presented by Gateway. Kevon King led the Spartans on the ground, accumulating 137 yards on 20 carries.

Jacquez Jones paced the Norfolk State receiving corps with several big plays, racking up 71 of his 109 yards after the catch. AJ Richardson tallied 10 tackles in the Spartans’ first home victory since Oct. 30, 2021.

Virginia State got the ball moving early, getting into Spartan territory before the NSU defense forced an opening-drive punt. Norfolk State wasted no time in its first opportunity, as Daniels found Jacquez Jones on a slant route to conjure a 60-yard touchdown, the Spartans’ first passing score of the year.

Virginia State regrouped comfortably, producing a 92-yard touchdown drive, completed by 22-yard catch in the end zone from Kevin Gayles. The Trojans kept the momentum going on its next offensive possession, tallying several powerful runs to earn another score and take a 14-7 lead.

Norfolk State got back in striking position off a wild play – a big hit forced a fumble on Xzavion Evans’ rush, the ball rolled forward a chunk of yards, before wideout Kam’Ryn Thomas secured it and reached the Virginia State 14-yard line.

The Spartans took advantage of the good fortune, as Daniels rushed 11 yards into the end zone to tie the game a couple of plays later. Norfolk State forced a quick three-and-out immediately after.

Daniels continued his hot start, finding Kam’Ryn Thomas for the former’s third touchdown of the day and the latter’s first of the season. The score gave Norfolk State a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.

Virginia State took the energy back with a strip sack early in the third quarter, but an immediate interception from Jayden Smith put NSU on offense again. But the seesaw battle continued – Donavan Howard intercepted Daniels for the third takeaway in as many drives.

A roughing the passer penalty extended the Trojans’ next possession, setting up a 28-yard field goal to cut the lead to four. But King broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, the second 50+ yard rushing touchdown of the season for the Oscar Smith grad.

The monumental play gave NSU a 28-17 lead, but the Trojans didn’t stop there. Several quick passes towards the sideline pushed the ball downfield in a hurry, before Romelo Williams scored on a seven-yard scamper to the pylon.

Virginia State’s 2-point conversion attempt sailed over the targeted receiver’s arms, maintaining a five-point advantage for Norfolk State with just over five minutes remaining.

The Trojans never had another chance to take the lead, though, as Norfolk State drained the clock with a determined run game. Daniels earned a first down on third-and-nine with a calm scramble, before converting a fourth-and-one on a sneak to put the game away.

Checking The Box Score

  • Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Daniels completed 14-of-21 passes for 210 yards, a touchdown, and an interception
  • Kevon King led the Spartans on the ground, accumulating 137 yards on 20 carries
  • Jacquez Jones led the Norfolk State receiving corps with 109 yards on four receptions, including 71 yards after catch
  • AJ Richardson paced the Spartan defense with 10 total tackles, including one solo stop
  • Kam’Ryn Thomas added 47 receiving yards on five catches, including his first touchdown reception of the year
  • Norfolk State outgained Virginia State 467-288 on Saturday, with a 257-117 advantage in the ground game
  • NSU defensive back Jayden Smith recorded an interception
  • The Spartans converted 7-of-13 third down conversions

News & Notes

  • Saturday marked the 58th edition of the “Battle of the States” matchup between Norfolk State and Virginia State
  • Virginia State now leads the series 31-23-2
  • The victory marked Norfolk State’s first home win since a 31-20 triumph over Morgan State on Oct. 30, 2021
  • Norfolk State senior defensive back Jayden Smith recorded the first interception of his collegiate career
  • Norfolk State produced one takeaway on Saturday (an interception), turning the ball over twice. Through two games, the NSU defense has recovered four fumbles and recorded four interceptions 

UP NEXT
Norfolk State remains at home for a second consecutive rivalry weekend, facing Hampton in the Battle of the Bay. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 14.

For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.