Virginia State (1-0) at Norfolk State (0-1)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
On the air: ESPN+, 91.1 FM
The Spartans: Norfolk State didn’t get off to the start it would’ve liked for the Michael Vick era, dropping its home opener to Towson 27-7 last week. Plus, there’s a bit of quarterback drama going on with starter Israel “Izzy” Carter being benched after just three drives for the more experienced Otto Kuhns. Vick said Carter will start again Saturday and will finish the game, though Kuhns will see the field again. Kuhns went 19-of-27 passing for 219 yards, with wideouts DreSean Kendrick (125 yards) and Kam’ryn Thomas (101 yards) both topping the 100-yard mark. But the run game left much to be desired for Vick. The Spartans ran for just 39 yards, while allowing Towson 136 rushing yards. There’s still much uncertainty and many areas of improvement for NSU in the Vick era, but Saturday provides an opportunity to make strides.
The Trojans: Virginia State rolled in its season opener 35-7 at Barton College. The Trojans dominated the passing game with QB Rahsaan Matthews throwing for 343 yards and two touchdowns on an efficient 21-of-27 passing. His main targets were Kevin Gayles (six catches, 131 yards and a score) and Ajenavi Byrd (six catches, 92 yards). Meanwhile, Brandon Rose ran for 67 yards and two scores on 17 rushes. The Trojans will look to continue this momentum in the 61st edition of “the Battle of the States,” in which NSU has won eight of the past 10 matchups.
— Trevyn Gray
Elizabeth City State (0-1) at Hampton (0-1)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
On the air: Monumental Sports Network, 88.1 FM
The Pirates: Hampton lost its first game under Trenton Boykin without the interim tag, but the Pirates played well for most of the game. Although they lost 28-14 to Jackson State, the game was tied at 14 in the fourth. Quarterbacks Isaiah Freeman and Braden Davis both got snaps during the game, though mostly it was starter Freeman. Freeman finished 10-of-17 passing for 117 yards, a touchdown and an interception while rushing for a team-leading 94 yards on 13 carries. The Pirates will likely continue to use both QBs for the foreseeable future. While there’s more clarity at the QB position, the Pirates still seek to play a full four-quarter game. They’ve lost five straight games dating back to last season.
The Vikings: Elizabeth City State opened with a loss of its own, dropping its opener at Chowan 28-14. The Vikings’ run game was efficient, led by feature back Traquan Johnson, who ran for 98 yards and a score on 19 attempts. Quarterback Christopher Perkins was 12-of-22 passing for 118 yards and a pick and ran for 40 yards on nine rushes.
— Trevyn Gray
Maine (0-1) at William & Mary (0-1)
When: 6 p.m.
On the air: MASN; FloFootball; 92.3FM
About the Tribe: W&M’s defense, led by LBs Luke Banbury (14 tackles) and Harrison Johnson (13 tackles), was very good in the 23-21 loss to Furman — not really responsible for either Paladins TD. The rush defense was particularly good, allowing 58 yards, but the Tribe bent just enough late for Furman to snatch a comeback victory with three field goals. Tyler Hughes showed plenty of potential at quarterback, passing for 208 yards and a TD while rushing for 57 and a TD. Transfer WR Deven Thompson had three catches for 63 yards and might be the long-ball threat the Tribe are looking for. The rushing attack (144 yards) was below recent standards as the Tribe offense fizzled down the stretch.
About the Black Bears: The Bears were something of an FCS surprise last week, tied in the fourth quarter before falling 28-7 at Liberty. Sincere Baines ran for 118 yards, a 77-yard touchdown included, and Rashawn Marshall had 76 as the Bears netted 184 yards on the ground, their most in three years. LB Christian Thomas’ 15 tackles were the most by any CAA player this past week. Maine fell 28-3 to the Tribe in 2023 on its last trip to Zable Stadium.
— Marty O’Brien
Apprentice (6-5 last year) at Southern Virginia (1-9 last year)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Knight Stadium in Buena Vista.
On the air: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3pycuTJG9k
The Builders: At last, they have gained conference membership. They’re in the New South Athletic Conference’s North Division alongside South Carolina Central Christian, Barber-Scotia (located near Charlotte, North Carolina) and Clayton State (near Atlanta). The South Division includes Lighthouse Christian (near Pensacola, Florida), Atlantis (of Miami), Westgate Christian (of Houston) and Gordon State (of Barnesville, Georgia). The division winners will clash Nov. 15 at Clayton State’s stadium for the NSAC title. Before starting a nine-game regular season, Apprentice tuned up with a public scrimmage last weekend against Fork Union Military Academy. The Builders return their top four tacklers from last season: LB Chase Gayness, LB/DB Benny Nena, DL Darius Carney and DB Syncere Hawkins. They seem less experienced on offense except for dynamic receiver T.K. Petty, who made 34 catches for a team-high 726 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns.
The Knights: SVU, from the USA South Athletic Conference, hopes to avenge a 44-9 loss in Newport News last year. But the Knights have finished 1-9 in each of the past three seasons, the past two under current coach Joe DuPaix.
— Sonny Dearth
