Norfolk State 33, Morgan State 27

Norfolk State (5-3, 3-3 MEAC) got a key interception by senior Kyle Grove, as he picked off a LeJominick Washington pass on the final drive of the game to seal the victory for the Spartans.

Morgan State (2-7,1-5 MEAC), went ahead 7-0 on the first drive of the game, as Ali Culpepper plunged in from one-yard out with 10:58 left in the first quarter. Norfolk State would respond with two seconds left in the quarter, as Anthony Dillard recovered a blocked punt by Richard Brown in the end zone to tie the game at 7-7 after the first quarter.

The Bears added a 53-yard interception return by Jamar Williams to increase their lead to 14-7 with 9:59 left in the second quarter. LeJominick Washington connected with William Sherman on an 80-yard touchdown strike to push the MSU lead to 21-7 with 4:54 left before halftime. Smith (Jr., Temple Hills, MD) scored his only touchdown of the afternoon, as he scampered in from two-yards out to cut the Morgan lead to 21-14. John Vorosholin added a 26-yard field goal to give MSU a 24-14 halftime lead.

Dontrell Leonard hooked up with Howard Gilmore on a 69-yard touchdown reception for the only score of the third quarter, as the Spartans trimmed the lead to 24-20. The point after attempt was no good. Leonard would continue his second half magic, as he found senior Charles Burnette on a 46-yard scoring strike, to give Norfolk State it's first lead 27-24 with 9:09 left in the game. Morgan State would not quit, as they tied the game with 5:09 left on a John Vorosholin 44-yard field goal.

The Spartans would then turn the game over to Mr. Smith, as he carried the ball six times for 84 yards on the final drive. Smith would fumble on the one-yard line, but Charles Burnette recovered it in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

Norfolk State University easily had its best offensive performance of the year, as they racked up 436 yards of total offense on 72 plays. Dontrell Leonard (Fr, Newport News, VA) completed 6 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, and Charles Burnette (Sr, Roanoke, VA) caught four passes for 107 yards to lead the Spartans offensive attack.

Defensively, Junior Marcus Gray had an outstanding game with 11 solo tackles and one interception and senior Mike Kelly chipped in with six solos and two sacks for five yards.

Norfolk State University will take on Delaware State next Saturday in the 5th annual Gold Coast Classic in San Diego, CA. Kickoff is set for 3pm (PST). Morgan State will host the Bulldogs of South Carolina State. Game time is set for 1pm.

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