image via Norfolk State Football/IG
Norfolk State used a dominant rushing attack and a 29-point run spanning the first half to pull away from Chicago State, earning a 43-20 road victory Saturday night at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
The Spartans improved to 3-2 on the season, while Chicago State fell to 1-4.
Norfolk State finished with 623 total yards, including 358 rushing yards, while averaging 7.9 yards per offensive play. The Spartans also converted 8 of 16 third downs and held the ball for 33:14.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Chicago State wasted little time taking advantage of a Norfolk State mistake.
After Norfolk State’s opening kickoff return was muffed, Ashton Pannell connected with Kymari Gray on a 30-yard touchdown pass just 10 seconds into the game, giving the Cougars a 7-0 lead.
Norfolk State answered with a methodical 16-play, 93-yard touchdown drive that ended with DaJean Golmond scoring on a 10-yard run with 4:26 left in the first quarter.
The Spartans then took the lead with six seconds remaining in the opening quarter when Golmond found Rocco Ciocca for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Ciocca added the successful two-point conversion, giving Norfolk State a 15-7 advantage.
Norfolk State continued to pour it on in the second quarter.
Golmond connected with Brevin Caldwell for a 55-yard touchdown at the 12:26 mark, followed just over two minutes later by Jason Wonodi’s 76-yard touchdown run.
The back-to-back explosive plays pushed the Spartans ahead 29-7.
Chicago State responded with an Ashton Pannell 7-yard touchdown run with 8:32 left in the half, but Norfolk State carried a 29-13 lead into halftime.
Chicago State cut into the deficit again in the third quarter when Adrian Bowers returned a blocked Norfolk State punt 50 yards for a touchdown, making it 29-20.
Norfolk State answered with a 90-yard touchdown drive, capped by Jalyn Daniels’ 1-yard touchdown run with 4:58 remaining in the quarter.
Then Daniels delivered the knockout blow.
With 10:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, Daniels broke loose for a 95-yard touchdown run, giving Norfolk State a 43-20 lead.
Chicago State would not score again.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: JALYN DANIELS
Daniels was one of the biggest difference-makers of the night.
- 16 carries
- 136 rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns
- 95-yard touchdown run
- 8.5 yards per carry
His 95-yard touchdown was the longest play from scrimmage in the game and pushed Norfolk State’s lead to 23 points in the fourth quarter.
NORFOLK STATE’S OFFENSE
Quarterback DaJean Golmond produced 356 yards of total offense.
Passing:
- 21-of-31
- 265 yards
- 2 TD
- 1 INT
Rushing:
- 10 carries
- 91 yards
- 1 TD
Golmond also connected with Caldwell on the 55-yard touchdown and Ciocca on the 22-yard score.
Jason Wonodi provided another explosive moment with his 76-yard touchdown run on his only rushing attempt.
Receiving Leaders
