After opening up the FBS era with one of the most dominant wins in the country the Dukes now welcome in FCS foe Norfolk State. 

Norfolk State, out of the MEAC, comes into Harrisonburg for the first time since 2017. The 2017 matchup saw the Dukes handle their business with an easy 75-14 win.

Kickoff for this FBS-FCS showdown is slated for 4 PM ET. It is the second of three non conference games the Dukes will play this season. The only one left after this Saturday’s game is vs. Louisville from the ACC in a few weeks. 

Let’s get acquainted with this gameday.  

Weather for Saturday

High of 73 with a low of 63 with cloudy skies and a chance of rain all day, the chance increases as the day goes on. Sunset is slated for 7:31 PM ET. 

How to Watch

The game will be available to watch on on ESPN3 with TV Coverage beginning at around 4 PM ET. ESPN3 is NOT ESPN+ and requires a cable subscription. Click here to find the game and use your TV Provider to sign in.  

If you want to listen to the radio broadcast and are in Harrisonburg tune in to WSVA 550 AM or 92.1 FM. You can stream the radio broadcast online at WSVAOnline.com and on your phone with the The Varsity Network app.

Getting to know Norfolk State

Record: 6-2 in 2021, 2-3 in MEAC play 

MTSU Head Coach: Dawson Odums is in his 2nd season as the head coach of the Spartans. Odums joins the Spartans after a 10-year run at Southern University. He has compiled a a 70-47 record overall and he is 6-6 at Norfolk State.

Team Leaders (stats from 2021) 

• Passing: No returning production from 2021. Otto Kuhns and Jaylen Adams combined for 84 yards on 6-14 passing last week. 
• Rushing: R-Soph. RB J.J. Davis – 887 rush yards in 2021 with 10 TDs averagin 80 yards per game
• Receiving: R-Soph. Da’Quan Felton – 492 yards in 2021 with with 28 catches and 2 TDs 
• Tackles: R-Soph. LB Tyler Long – Racked up 78 tackles in 2021 with 3.5 TFLs and 1.5 sack

Other things to note:

Norfolk State lost last week to Marshall, 55-3. The offense appeared to be completely lackluster and struggled to move the ball. The Spartans had a solid 2021 campaign, however they lost a large percentage of their production. With not a lot of returners and JMU’s recent success against NSU, expect the Dukes to dominate.