Norfolk State Knocks Off # 22 SC State 17-14

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Joe Thomas finished with 12 tackles on the day.

Box Score Final Game Stats
NORFOLK, VA –The Spartans of Norfolk State took sole possession of first place in the league conference race, knocking off the defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champion SC State University, 17-14 Saturday at Dick Price Stadium.
      Norfolk State was celebrating its 64^th Annual Fish Bowl Classic on Youth Day.
     “We made to many mistakes, gave them too many opportunities and gave away points; said SC State head coach Buddy Pough.” “But by no stretch of imaganation am I down on my team”
      It was a defensive battle throughout the game with Spartans getting on the board first on a 25-yard field goal by redshirt senior Ryan Estep(5-10, 165) at the 8:38 mark in the first quarter. Freshman Julius   Pendergrass put the Bulldogs ahead 7-3, on a 14-yard run with 9:19 left in the first-half.
      Norfolk State took advantage on a loss fumble by freshman running back Jalen “Scoot” Simmons, when redshirt senior linebacker Onyemechi Anyaugo (6-1, 225) returned it 84 yards for a touchdown with 0:12 seconds remaining in the half. Simmons was injured on the play and did not return for the remainder of the game.
      Norfolk State closed out the first-half with a 10-3 lead.
      The Spartans struck again on a 2-yd run by senior quarterback Chris Walley (6-2, 200) with 1:40 left in the third quarter. Quarterback Derrick Wiley pulled the Bulldogs within a field goal 17-14 on a 3-yd scamper with 9:39 left in the game.
      Norfolk State would hold to 17-14 victory over the Bulldogs, the first time since 2007. SC State was led on offense by redshirt junior Derrick Wiley who rushed for 75 yards on 21 carries. Wiley, also was 12-of-20 for 137 yards in the air.
      Wiley was named MVP of the Fish Bowl Classic for South Carolina State.
      The Bulldog defense was led by senior linebacker Donovan Richard with 13 tackles, 2 TFL, while redshirt sophomore Joe Thomas added 12 in the loss.
      Pough stated, “It was a disappointing loss for our team and now we go back and start over. We aren't ready to pack it in yet, still got a lot of football left to play.”
       SC State will return to action on next week when they host N.C.Central in a pivotal MEAC contest. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m.
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