Norfolk State University fought back to win its first game of the season in overtime on an Evan Helfrich 29-yard field goal, to beat Virginia State 34-31 in overtime. The Spartans found themselves down early due to self-inflicted wounds from penalties and turnovers. The Spartans fumbled the ball three times. The Spartans’ special teams helped them get an early 7-3 lead on a punt block by Norfolk State Ricardo Underwood, and Jason Wondoni recovered the ball for the touchdown score. The Spartan defense was able to force Virginia State quarterback Rashaan Mathews to throw an interception, which was called back due to a roughing the passer penalty. The Spartans found themselves fighting an uphill battle throughout the game, from being penalized 16 times for 127 yards.
The Spartans found themselves making a quarterback change late in the third quarter, down 23-10. They inserted Otto Kuhns to jump-start the Spartan offense. Kuhns completed 13 passes on 20 attempts for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kuhns was able to bring the Spartans within 6 points early in the fourth quarter, leading the Spartans on a touchdown drive on a pass to JJ Evans. The Spartans took the first lead of the game on another Kuhns touchdown pass to DreSean Kendrick, making the score 24-23.
The Spartans had an opportunity to add to their lead behind an Evan Helfrich 43-yard field goal attempt that was no good. The Trojans took advantage of the Spartans’ missed field goal attempt, giving them good field position. They drove the ball down the field, retaking the lead behind a Trojan touchdown pass from Rahsaan Matthews to Marquis Smith, making the score 31-24.
The Spartans got their 2-minute offense going with Otto Kuhns passing the ball to the Spartans’ receivers, but it was their rushing attack that allowed them to force the game into overtime. The Spartans rushed the ball 37 times for 237 yards and 1 touchdown. Spartans running back Jaylen Laudermilk’s 33-yard rushing touchdown tied the game 31-31.
The Trojans had an opportunity to win the game in regulation, but missed a field goal kick by Joshua Campbell with no time left on the clock, forcing overtime. The Spartans’ defense was able to stop the Trojans’ offense four straight downs, preventing them from scoring in overtime. The Spartans’ kicker Evan Helfrich kicked the winning field goal, giving Coach Vick and his Spartan teammates their first win of the season, 34-31.