Michael Vick and Norfolk State suffered a tough road loss to Rutgers on Saturday, falling 60–10 as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights improved to 3-0 and the Norfolk State Spartans dropped to 1-2.
Just a week removed from a thrilling 34-31 win over Virginia State, Norfolk State faced a much steeper challenge against a red-hot Rutgers team coming off a dominant win over Miami (OH).
Norfolk quarterback Otto Kuhns completed 8-of-20 passes for 90 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in the loss. Running back Kevon King was a bright spot, rushing for 56 yards on seven carries and scoring the Spartans’ only touchdown.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis turned in a strong performance, completing 18-of-26 passes for 309 yards and one touchdown.
Norfolk State got off to a rough start, going three-and-out on two of their first three possessions—both of which resulted in blocked punts returned for touchdowns. Rutgers jumped out to a 13-0 lead after the first quarter.
Spartans kicker Evan Helfrich put Norfolk on the board early in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal, but Rutgers responded with 13 more points before the half. Defensive back Jett Elad added to the Scarlet Knights’ momentum with a 21-yard interception return, and Norfolk trailed 26-3 at the break.
The Spartans opened the second half with a spark, as King broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run. But Rutgers answered quickly and decisively, scoring on all three of their third-quarter possessions to take a commanding 46-10 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
The fourth-quarter struggles continued for the Spartans when running back Jaylen Laudermilk fumbled on their second possession, setting up Rutgers’ second touchdown of the quarter and adding further insult to injury as the Scarlet Knights ran away with a 60–10 victory.
Norfolk State will look to bounce back against the Sacred Heart Pioneers at home next Saturday.
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