NORFOLK - This Saturday, the Old Dominion Monarchs will host the Norfolk State Spartans in a matchup that has garnered attention due to its historical context. Despite being a significant favorite by over 40 points, the Monarchs should not underestimate the Spartans, as past encounters have shown that Norfolk State can put up a fight.
The upcoming game marks the fifth meeting between these two teams, with their first clash occurring in 2011 during the FCS playoffs. In that game, both teams were nationally ranked, and Old Dominion emerged victorious with a score of 35-18, thanks to five touchdown passes from quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Fast forward to 2013, when the Monarchs faced the Spartans in Norfolk after a narrow loss to Pittsburgh. Old Dominion managed to escape with a 27-24 win, clinching the game with a last-second field goal from Jarod Brown, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups.
The 2015 encounter at Foreman Field was less thrilling, as the Monarchs secured a 24-10 victory, which was marred by a lengthy weather delay of 90 minutes. However, the last meeting in 2019 proved to be a nail-biter. The Spartans led 20-17 late in the game, but a crucial completion from Stone Smart to Eric Kumah allowed the Monarchs to score a go-ahead touchdown. Old Dominion sealed the game with an interception, marking a bittersweet moment as it contributed to the end of Bobby Wilder's tenure as head coach.
Since that last meeting, significant changes have occurred in both programs. Michael Vick, the former NFL star, is now at the helm of the Norfolk State Spartans. In his inaugural season, Vick's squad struggled, finishing with a 1-11 record. However, they recently showcased their potential with a dominant 56-0 victory over Winston-Salem State, indicating a positive trajectory for the program.
Vick expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming game, emphasizing its importance to the community and the opportunity it presents for his players. "I told our players it’s a great opportunity for us, we should feel thankful that we have the opportunity to line up against an opponent that’s really worthy," Vick stated. He sees this matchup as a valuable measuring stick for his team.
On the other side, Old Dominion is coming off a successful season, finishing with 10 wins, but they have faced challenges due to player departures to Power 5 conferences via the transfer portal. The Monarchs have not lost to an FCS program since transitioning to the FBS, a streak they aim to maintain against Norfolk State.
Head coach Ricky Rahne has noted the improvement in the Spartans after analyzing their recent game tape. He expressed a desire for more annual matchups against local FCS teams, stating, "I think we should be playing Norfolk State or Hampton every year. It’s great for the community and tends to fill up our stadium. I’m excited about it." This sentiment reflects the growing rivalry and community interest in these games.
The game is set to kick off at 6:00 PM at S.B. Ballard Stadium, with fans able to catch the action on ESPN+. As both teams prepare to clash, the historical context and recent performances suggest that this matchup could be closer than the odds might indicate.
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