Norfolk State romps VMI 32-10

_{title image via Monica Simon}

Alex Lehmbeck, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Communication

32

Winner NSU

10

VMI

Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Daniels passed for 277 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday afternoon, leading Norfolk State (2-3) to a convincing 32-10 road victory against VMI (0-4) at Alumni Memorial Field.

The Spartans bounced back comfortably from the previous week’s loss, outgaining the Keydets 393-203. Jacquez Jones led NSU’s receiving corps with 143 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions, while Tavian Morris racked up a career-high 122 yards on six receptions.

The Norfolk State defense came to play on Saturday, bringing the energy from the game’s first drive. Graduate defensive back Devon Allenmade a leaping interception on just the third play from scrimmage, his first of the season.

A three-and-out from the Spartan offense brought the defense back onto the field, but the group didn’t bend a bit. Marcus Mauney exploded past the VMI offensive line on a third down, producing his first sack in a Spartan uniform.

VMI made some progress a few minutes later, reaching Spartan territory after starting a drive with strong field position. But the Norfolk State defense continued to shoulder the load, coming up with a fourth down stop in a short yardage situation.

The teams entered the second quarter scoreless, but the Spartans changed the narrative almost immediately. Daniels found Jones for a first down, before the two connected once more for a 24-yard touchdown moments later.

The Spartans kept the momentum going, forcing a three-and-out before Daniels hit wide Morris in stride for an 80-yard touchdown heave.

Two failed extra points left a couple of points off the board, as Norfolk State took a 12-0 lead.

The hot stretch continued, starting with a pair of strong runs by newcomer Fonnae Webb. Facing a heavy rush, Daniels remained poised on a 56-yard deep ball to Jones, the second touchdown connection of the day between the players. The Spartans went into halftime ahead 19-0.

VMI got itself on the scoreboard with a deep field goal, knocking one down from 54 yards out. The kick by Caden Beck marked the fourth-longest in Keydet history.

With Norfolk State’s offense temporarily slowing down, the defense took care of things from there. Daylan Long took advantage of a lobbed throw, coming down with the second interception of his career and taking it to the house for another Spartan touchdown. It marked Norfolk State’s first pick-six play since Bobby Price returned an interception for a touchdown at Delaware State on Nov. 16, 2019.

The play gave the momentum back to NSU, and the offense returned to form. Kevon King broke a couple of tackles on the first play of the fourth quarter, jogging into the end zone for the nine-yard score that pushed Norfolk State ahead 32-3.

As the Spartans turned to its second unit for the final minutes of the win, VMI logged its first touchdown score of the day to cut into the gap. Quarterback Vinson Berry took the final snaps in victory formation to seal the afternoon for NSU.

Checking The Box Score

• Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Danielscompleted 20-of-29 passes for 277 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions
• The Spartans outgained the Keydets 393-203.
• NSU wideout Jacquez Jones caught 12 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns
• Tavian Morris also put together a career day in the Spartans’ receiving corps, tallying six catches for 122 yards and a touchdown
• Kevon King led the Spartans on the ground with 50 rushing yards and a  touchdown, averaging 5.0 yards per carry
• Terique Miles paced the Spartans defensively, recording eight tackles with one tackle for loss
• Daylan Long tallied four tackles, one for loss, and an interception for a touchdown
• NSU defensive back Devon Allen recorded an interception on the game’s opening possession
• Defensive back Ricky Harleston added a fourth-quarter interception as well

News & Notes

• Saturday marked the third meeting between Norfolk State and VMI
• Norfolk State now leads the all-time series 2-1 between the programs
• The Spartans improved to 2-3 on the season with the victory
• VMI dropped to 0-4 with the loss
• Daylan Long’s third quarter pick-six marked Norfolk State’s first since Bobby Price returned an interception for a touchdown at Delaware State on Nov. 16, 2019
• Norfolk State produced three takeaways on Saturday, committing no turnovers on the offensive end. Through five games, the NSU defense has recovered four fumbles and recorded seven interceptions
• NSU has now recorded three interceptions in a single game twice this year, achieving the feat against East Carolina as well

UP NEXT
A neutral-site conference showdown awaits the Spartans next week, as they head to Indianapolis, Ind. to face North Carolina Central in the 40^thAnnual Circle City Classic. Taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium, the game will kick off at 3 p.m.