Michael Vick and Norfolk State drop to 1-3 in his head coach season debut after their 31-28 loss to Sacred Heart University on Saturday at home.
Senior quarterback Otto Kuhns completed 27-of-41 passes with 340 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss while X’Zavion Evans was a bright spot for the Norfolk State Spartans, recording 13 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Kevon King added another score along with 72 yards. DreSean Kendrick finished with 103 total yards and a receiving touchdown.
SHU improved to 3-1 on the season behind a strong running back trio of Mitchell Summers, Trey Eberhart III and Jack Snyder — all of whom scored rushing touchdowns, with Snyder finding the end zone twice.
First-year head coach and former NFL quarterback Vick took over hoping to revitalize a Norfolk State program that finished 4-8 last season, but the Spartans have stumbled out of the gate going 1-3 with back-to-back losses.
Despite Saturday’s loss, the Spartans showed resilience, mounting a late push and putting pressure on SHU in their hunt for a second win.
After giving up a quick opening touchdown to SHU, Norfolk State answered with a 14-play drive capped by an 18-yard Evans touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 heading into the second quarter.
The Spartans struck again early in the second, as Evans powered in his second score, a 7-yard run to take a 14-7 lead. But momentum quickly shifted for Norfolk State throughout the remainder of the third quarter.
Kuhns threw an interception on first down, followed by a fumble on the next drive from Jaylen Laudermilk and a three-and-out after that. Norfolk State closed the half with a missed field goal and trailed 21-14 at the break.
The offense continued to sputter in the third quarter, going three-and-out twice while SHU added a field goal to extend its lead to 24-14 heading into the fourth.
Spartans running back King broke loose for a 57-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 24-21. After the defense came up with a key stop, Norfolk State had a chance to take the lead — but King fumbled on the first play of the ensuing drive, setting up an SHU touchdown.
Kuhns responded with a 29-yard strike to Kendrick, cutting the deficit to 31-28 with 3:55 remaining. Norfolk State got the ball back and quickly moved into scoring position, driving down the field in just 1:39 to set up Evan Helfrich for a 42-yard field goal attempt. But Helfrich missed — his second miss of the day — and the Spartans fell short, 31-28.
Norfolk State University will face the 0-4 Wagner Seahawks on the road next Saturday.
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