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| Norfolk State stops Damien Fleming on 3rd-and-goal |
The Spartans came up with three key momentum-changing plays
in the game, including one goal-line stand in each half. The result was a
victory that keeps NSU (4-5 overall, 4-1 MEAC) tied for first place in the MEAC
heading into Thursday's ESPNU-televised game with Bethune-Cookman at Dick Price
Stadium in Norfolk.
With NSU trailing 10-6, linebacker Deon King forced and
recovered a Rattler fumble at the FAMU 5 with 7:22 left. Three plays later,
backup quarterback Malik Stokes hit Isaac White for an 8-yard, go-ahead
touchdown pass with 6:20 remaining in the game. The extra point missed, so NSU
led 12-10.
After a short kickoff and 22-yard kickoff return by Devonte Johnson, the Rattlers (2-7, 2-3) took over the ensuing drive at their 45. Fleming completed passes on 4th-and-3 and 3rd-and-15 to keep the FAMU hopes alive. The Rattlers, who were out of timeouts, had a 1st-and-goal at the NSU 6 after a 13-yard Fleming scramble in the final 90 seconds. He rushed for 1 yard on first down and Gerald Hearns rushed for 4 on second down, taking the ball to the NSU 1 with under 30 seconds left.
FAMU kicker Chase Varnadore appeared ready to run onto the
field for an attempt at a winning field goal, but the Rattler offense stayed on
the field instead. Fleming tried to sneak it in on 3rd-and-goal, but was met
for no gain by Riddick. FAMU was unable to get off another play before the
clock expired.
FAMU outgained the Spartans 292-194. Fleming completed
19-of-27 passes for 181 yards and a TD and also rushed for 30 yards in a losing
effort.