Norfolk State Spartans Fall Short in Battle of the Bay

The Norfolk State Spartans of the MEAC (0-2) played host to the Hampton University Pirates (2-0) of the Colonial Athletic Association in the Battle of the Bay.

The Spartans lead the series 29-27-1 against their rival, and it was a great game this year. The 2021 edition went into overtime 47-44 won by the Spartans.

The Spartans came off a tough defeat to the Marshall Thundering Herd and the James Madison Dukes. They were looking to get their first win of the season. The Pirates were looking to stay undefeated after defeating the Howard Bison and Tuskegee Golden Lions.

SPARTANS OFFENSE

The Pirates opened the scoring with a 23-yard touchdown pass. The Spartans tied the score with a 11-yard TD Pass from QB Otto Kuhns to WR Da’Quan Felton. The Pirates opened the scoring in the second half with a 75-yard pass. They finished the scoring with a 24-yard field goal bringing the final score to 17-7.

The Spartans fell short this time but there were still some bright spots offensively. QB Otto Kuhns finished 11 for 16 with 121 yards one touchdown and one interception. TE Ikeem Wright lead the team in rushing with 52 yards. RB JJ Davis chipped in with 40 yards as well on 16 carries.  WR Collis Pride lead the team in receiving with 47 yards.

SPARTANS DEFENSE

The Spartans had leading tacklers LB Marquis Hall with nine tackles and an interception. LB Tyler Long with seven and a sack, and DB Brandon Savage with six DB Joseph White also had an interception.

NEXT OPPONENT

The Spartans (0-3) will host the St. Francis University Red Flash (Pa) (1-2) of the Northeast Conference on September 24^th at 2pm.