Michael Vick Sparks Norfolk State Football Surge: Record Crowd Expected for Season Finale vs Howard

Norfolk State University is closing Thanksgiving week with a one-two sports punch that has Spartan Nation buzzing. Men’s basketball: fifth straight Battle of the Bay triumph On Friday night the Norfolk State men’s basketball team edged longtime rival Hampton 62-60 at a packed Echols Hall, surviving a frantic final minute when Jaquel Morris’ block sealed the win. • Keyontae Lewis powered the Spartans with 16 points and nine rebounds. • Elijah Jamison iced the game at the line, giving NSU its fifth consecutive victory in the storied Battle of the Bay series. • The Spartans improve to 5-1, their best start since 2021, and return to action Tuesday against UNC Greensboro. Women’s basketball: streak snapped, quick reset Earlier in the day the Hampton women clipped Norfolk State 57-55, ending the Lady Spartans’ 28-game home winning streak, but coach Larry Vickers said the setback “refocuses us for MEAC play.” Carmen Kweti’s 18-point effort kept NSU close, and the defending conference champs still own the league’s top NET ranking. Football: Michael Vick aims to finish on a high First-year head coach Michael Vick takes his 1-10 football squad to Audi Field Saturday for the regular-season finale vs. Howard. Vick acknowledged the growing pains that come with installing his up-tempo offense but told WAVY-TV he’s “seen buy-in that doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard yet.” • Freshman QB Jaylen Adams will start after throwing for 287 yards last week. • A win would snap Norfolk State’s nine-game skid and provide momentum on the recruiting trail before December’s early signing period. • Kickoff is 1 p.m.; the game streams live on ESPN+. Why this matters • Basketball momentum: With Jamison emerging as a go-to scorer and a veteran frontcourt controlling the boards, Norfolk State is positioning itself for a third NCAA tournament berth in five years. • Vick effect: Despite the record, home attendance is up 23 percent, and the Spartans just landed three 3-star Tidewater recruits for 2026, proof that the former NFL star’s brand resonates locally. • Economic impact: Two sold-out games against Hampton pumped an estimated $600,000 into Norfolk restaurants and hotels, according to VisitNorfolk. What’s next • Men’s hoops travels to UNC Greensboro Tuesday, then returns home Dec. 2 for a marquee matchup with Old Dominion. • The women begin MEAC play Dec. 9 at Coppin State. • Football’s off-season starts Sunday, but fans can watch December signees roll in on NSU’s signing-day webcast. Search hot-list keywords: Norfolk State University sports, NSU Spartans basketball score, Battle of the Bay 2025, Michael Vick Norfolk State coach, Norfolk State vs Howard football, MEAC standings, Hampton vs Norfolk State rivalry, Echols Hall tickets, Audi Field college football.