Norfolk State scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to rally past Virginia State 34-31 in overtime Saturday night at William “Dick” Price Stadium. The Spartans evened their record at 1-1, while the Trojans fell to 1-1. The victory gave head coach Michael Vick his first win at Norfolk State. 

Quarterback Otto Kuhns led the comeback, completing 13 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Kevon King rushed for 63 yards on nine carries, and Jaylen Laudermilk added 59 yards and a touchdown on three attempts. Ty Jones led the defense with seven tackles, while Major Dillard, Antwan Davis, and Kendric Nowling each had six. 

Virginia State opened the scoring with an 11- play, 62-yard drive capped by a 22-yard field goal from Joshua Campbell. Norfolk State responded with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown to take a 7-3 lead. 

The Trojans regained momentum in the second quarter, scoring twice in three minutes to take a 16-7 lead. Virginia State extended the advantage to 23-10 in the third quarter. 

Norfolk State surged in the fourth. Kuhns engineered a 75-yard drive, including a 43-yard completion to Kam’Ryn Thomas, finishing with a touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 23-17. On the next possession, he connected with DreSean Kendrick for an 18-yard touchdown, giving Norfolk State a 24-23 lead. 

Virginia State reclaimed the lead on a 28-yard touchdown run with 2:14 remaining. Norfolk State answered with Laudermilk’s 33-yard touchdown run with 53 seconds left to tie the game at 31. A 46-yard field goal attempt by Virginia State in the final seconds struck the crossbar, sending the game to overtime. 

In overtime, Norfolk State’s defense held, with Makai Frisby breaking up a fourth-down pass. Evan Helfrich then converted a 29-yard field goal to secure the win. 

Norfolk State finished with 490 yards of total offense, compared to 440 for Virginia State. Kuhns and Thomas led the passing attack, while Kendrick and JJ Evans each caught touchdown passes. The Spartans outscored the Trojans 24-15 in the second half and did not commit a turnover in the first two games of the season. 

Norfolk State travels to Rutgers on Saturday, Sept. 13, for its first road game. Virginia State will have a bye before visiting Winston-Salem State on Sept. 20.