The Delaware State University football team returns to action Saturday afternoon at Norfolk State University for its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game of the season.
The Hornets finished their non-conference schedule with a 3-2 record, while NSU spoiled Morgan State’s homecoming 24-21 last Saturday. DelState will be looking to do the same to the Spartans this weekend.
Here are five keys to watch for if you’re attending the game or following it elsewhere.
1. Spartans’ offense by committee can be dangerous
Norfolk State has several offensive weapons that have started to assert themselves over the past few weeks. The Spartans are third in the conference in passing as Eastern Illinois transfer Otto Kuhns and Citadel transfer Jaylan Adams have had equal opportunities to lead the offense. Kuhns has passed for 642 yards and two touchdowns while Adams has thrown for 366 yards and four touchdowns.
The Spartans also have four running backs with at least 100 yards rushing on the season, led by freshman Kevon King (20 car., 133 yards, one touchdown). Delaware State’s defense will have to be at its best against a diverse offense capable of putting points on the board.
2. Hornets will need to find an answer offensively
DelState’s offense is next to last in the MEAC in yards per game. Only defending MEAC champ South Carolina State has compiled fewer yards. The key will be the quarterback position as both junior Jared Lewis and red-shirt freshman C.J. Henry (Hodgson) have both had good stretches but are also banged up. Injuries along the offensive line have also hurt the Hornets and head coach Rod Milstead was hopeful after the win over Robert Morris that the bye would heal some of the hurt.
3. Hot start after bye will be key
Speaking of the bye, an off week should help Delaware State get healthy, but the slow starts that have plagued them this season cannot happen against a Norfolk State team that jumped out to a 17-0 lead at Morgan last week and held on for the win. Keeping the Spartans off the board and finding a big play on offense will be key to the Hornets’ MEAC title hopes.
4. Win the field position battle
Hornet punter Matt Noll was the unquestioned MVP of the Hornets’ gutty win over Robert Morris Oct. 1 and they’ll need another tremendous performance from him against a Norfolk State team that has yet to record an official punt return this season. If Noll can pin NSU deep, that gives the Hornets a chance to create turnovers and shorten the field for their offense, and short drives for points can help build confidence.
5. The season officially begins now
Finishing non-conference play above .500 is a huge win for the Hornets, but with five MEAC games and a visit from Campbell left on the schedule, the road to their first winning record and a possible Celebration Bowl berth begins now.
A fast start with continued tough defense and timely offense will give DSU just as good of a chance at the MEAC crown (or their first winning season since 2012). They’ll just have to put all these phases together in every game from this point forward to make it happen
