image via Nick Sutton
Courtesy of Noah Schlekeway, Assistant SID, Norfolk State Athletics
27
Winner TU
7
NSU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TU | 10 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 27 |
| NSU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Norfolk State dropped its highly anticipated season opener under new head coach Michael Vick 27-7 to Towson on Thursday night at William “Dick” Price Stadium in front of 19,469 fans.
Senior quarterback Otto Kuhns led the Spartans’ offense, completing 19-of-27 passes for 219 yards. DreSean Kendrick posted 11 receptions for 125 yards, while Kam’Ryn Thomas added seven catches for 105 yards as both wideouts surpassed the century mark.
On defense, Major Dilliard paced NSU with eight tackles. Daylan Long and Khalib Gilmore followed with seven apiece. Ty Jones forced a fumble that Kahleef Jimmison recovered, marking the Spartans’ lone turnover of the night.
Towson struck first on its opening drive with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Indorf. Jason Wonodi appeared to swing momentum with an 80-yard kickoff return, but a holding penalty negated the play.
The Tigers kept pressure on early, adding a 24-yard field goal and another kick to build a 13-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Norfolk State responded with a 10-play drive, but Towson stuffed X’Zavion Evans on fourth down at the 34. The Spartans’ last chance before halftime came up short when Towson blocked Evan Helfrich’s 41-yard field-goal attempt.
Both defenses held firm through the third quarter as the Tigers carried their 13-0 lead into the final frame.
NSU broke through early in the fourth when Jaylen Laudermilk punched in an 8-yard touchdown run. Towson answered immediately with a 34-yard scoring strike, then sealed the win with another touchdown at the 3:15 mark.
The Spartans threatened late, driving inside the 5-yard line with less than 30 seconds left, but Towson’s defense held on four straight plays to close out the 27-7 final.
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
- Towson defeated Norfolk State 27-7
- Otto Kuhns led the Spartans, completing 19-of-27 passes for 219 yards
- DreSean Kendrick caught all 11 passes that he was targeted on for 125 yards
- Kam’Ryn Thomas also surpassed the century mark with 105 yards
- Major Dillard produced eight tackles, while Daylan Long and Khalib Gilmore followed with seven
- Norfolk State produced the only turnover of the contest
- Towson outgained Norfolk State on the ground 136-39, while the Spartans outgained the Tigers in the passing game 240-187
NEWS & NOTES
- Norfolk State fell to 0-1 with the loss
- Towson improved to 1-0 with the win
- Towson now leads the all-time series 3-1
- NSU had two 100-yard receivers for the first time since Sept. 21, 2024
