Michael Vick’s Norfolk State (4-4, 0-1) couldn’t overcome a scoreless offensive performance and three turnovers in a 22-7 loss to two-time defending MEAC champion South Carolina State (6-2, 1-0) on Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
South Carolina State running back Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for 52 yards and two touchdowns.
Norfolk State last defeated South Carolina State in 2022.
The Bulldogs scored on each of their first four possessions and led 19-0 at halftime.
Norfolk State couldn’t score on offense, but wide receiver Jason Wonodi returned a punt 47 yards for a third-quarter touchdown.
The Spartans reached South Carolina State territory on six drives but failed to score an offensive touchdown. Their three turnovers led to 10 Bulldogs points.
Despite the loss, Norfolk State delivered a more competitive performance than in last season’s 51-20 home defeat.
Norfolk State’s defense settled in after halftime, holding the Bulldogs to three points in the second half.
South Carolina State will be tough to beat this season. They appear to be the class of the MEAC. However, it looks like there won’t be any easy matchups in this conference in 2026.
Howard, Morgan State, and Norfolk State, which were the bottom three teams last season, have improved.
Norfolk State next faces Delaware State on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, where Vick and Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson once played together.
Delaware State is coming off a 31-12 loss to North Carolina Central on Friday night.
South Carolina State will go on the road to face Morgan State on Thursday. The Bears are coming off a 26-20 home overtime loss to Howard.
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