In a game that exemplified the intense rivalry between the MEAC and the SWAC, Florida A&M narrowly escaped with a 24-23 victory over Norfolk State in the 19th Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The matchup showcased a contrast of styles, with Norfolk State dominating on the ground while FAMU relied on an efficient passing attack to hold on for the win. It was a game that went down to the wire, filled with explosive plays, critical decisions, and a spirited atmosphere that felt more like a home game for the Rattlers, as the sea of orange and green in the stands made their presence known.
Norfolk State’s Ground Game Dominates
From the opening whistle, Norfolk State made it clear they were determined to control the game on the ground. Running back Kavon King led the charge, finishing with 146 rushing yards on just 14 carries, including an 82-yard touchdown run that set the tone early. The Spartans racked up an impressive 247 rushing yards, consistently moving the ball with a physical style that kept FAMU’s defense on its heels.
Coach Dawson Odum was proud of his team’s commitment to the run game: “If somebody can’t stop something, why would you go to something else? We literally ran the ball down the HBCU national champs’ throat tonight. We buzzed them up and down the field all night long in the running game. So why would we stop?” This mindset nearly paid off as the Spartans controlled the tempo and the clock for much of the game.
FAMU’s Passing Game Strikes at the Right Moments
While Norfolk State owned the ground, FAMU turned to their aerial attack to secure the win. Quarterback Daniel Richardson delivered a poised performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with wide receiver Jamari Gassett was electric, with Gassett hauling in eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. The duo connected on multiple key plays, including a long touchdown pass that gave FAMU a 17-14 lead early in the third quarter.
Despite facing a stout Norfolk defense, Richardson’s ability to make quick reads and deliver accurate throws kept the Rattlers in control when they needed it most. Coach Odum recognized the challenge Richardson posed: “The quarterback, he’s a heady football player. He’s played a lot of snaps. So his experience is something that you have to take into account when it comes to playing the position.”
Norfolk State’s Red Zone Woes
The Spartans made four trips to the red zone but struggled to convert those opportunities into touchdowns, which proved to be the difference. While they found success moving the ball between the 20s, FAMU’s defense tightened up near the goal line, forcing Norfolk to settle for field goals or come away empty-handed. This contrast in efficiency was critical, as FAMU converted all three of their red zone trips into touchdowns.
Coach Odum was candid about the challenges they faced near the goal line: “Football is all about giving your team the best chance to win week in and week out. Some weeks, you can run the ball. Some weeks you might have to throw the ball. But tonight, the running game gave us a chance to win a football game.” However, those missed opportunities ultimately cost the Spartans a signature victory.
A Game of Inches
In the end, this game came down to the smallest of margins. Norfolk State’s decision to go for a two-point conversion after their final touchdown was a bold move, but FAMU’s defense came up with a crucial stop to preserve their one-point lead. Coach Odum explained the reasoning behind his decision: “I went for two because I felt like a lot of guys started cramping. So I don’t know if we’d have had enough gas to finish that football game. But when you make that penalty, our offense had been playing well and I can live with that decision because we didn’t come down here to play a football game. We came down here to win a football game.”
Despite outgaining FAMU on the ground and controlling the time of possession, Norfolk State’s inability to capitalize on key moments left them one point short of a victory.
For FAMU, this win showed their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, while for Norfolk State, it was a statement game that signaled they’re a team to watch in the MEAC. As Coach Odum said after the game: “We came up one point short, but what I tell our guys is that I can be excited for victory and humble in loss because I always try to find a positive. We held a really good football team in check for most of the game.”
With a final score of 24-23, this MEAC/SWAC Challenge delivered on every front, showcasing the best of HBCU football and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.