Spartans and Pirates set to get it on in “Battle of the Bay” this weekend

^{title image via Nick Sutton}

Courtesy of Alex Lehmbeck, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Communication

The Norfolk State football team knocked off one in-state rival last week, and will attempt to take down another this Saturday.

The Spartans (1-2) face Hampton (1-1) at William “Dick” Price Stadium on Saturday, Sep. 14 for the 65^thedition of the “Battle of the Bay.” Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m.

Norfolk State beat Virginia State 28-23 last weekend behind a balanced performance on both sides of the ball, putting together a gritty final drive to drain the clock and set up victory formation.

NSU quarterback Jalen Daniels received MEAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his showing against Virginia State, completing 14-of-21 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 31 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Following a narrow 30-28 defeat against Morgan State in the team’s home opener, Hampton regrouped to defeat Virginia Union 33-21 in Week 2. Trailing 21-19 in the fourth quarter, running back Elijah Burrus scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in the closing stretch to flip the script for the Pirates.

Saturday’s game will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage on WNSB 91.1 FM.

ABOUT THE GAME

• Norfolk State leads the all-time series 32-29-1
• Saturday’s matchup marks the 65th edition of the “Battle of the Bay”
• Norfolk State defeated Hampton last year, 31-23
• Norfolk State is 6-4 against Hampton in the last 10 meetings between the schools
• Norfolk State head coach Dawson Odums is in his fourth season
• Interim Head Coach Trent Boykin is in his first season at Hampton.

ABOUT NORFOLK STATE

• Norfolk State improved to 1-2 on the season following a 28-23 win over Virginia State
• The Spartans led the MEAC in average home attendance in 2023, attracting 15,649 fans per game at Dick Price Stadium
• The Spartans won their first home game last week since October 30, 2021
• Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Danielsearned MEAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against VSU, throwing for 210 yards and a touchdown
• Norfolk State leads the MEAC in interceptions this season with four total. Terron Malloryleads the Spartans with two picks
• NSU has also forced the most fumbles in the MEAC with three recoveries
• Kevon King leads the MEAC in rushing with 39 carries for 309 yards and three touchdowns

ABOUT HAMPTON

• Hampton enters the game 1-1 on the year following a win over Virginia Union, 33-21, last week
• The Pirates enter the game with the No. 1-ranked pass defense in the CAA, giving up 113 yards per game
• Hampton last defeated Norfolk State in 2022, 17-7, at Dick Price Stadium
• Hampton runs a two-quarterback system. Malcolm Mays leads the way with 237 passings yards and two touchdowns. Chris Zellous has thrown for 225 yards and rushed for 46 yards and a pair of TDs