NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State University head football coach Dawson Odums announced the program’s 2024 football schedule on Friday, headlined by the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the annual Battle of the Bay.
The 2024 docket includes six home games, five road games, and one neutral-location showdown. The Spartans will play 12 regular season games for the first time since 2019.
“The 2024 schedule is a monster. Sparta are you ready? It’s going to be electric,” Odums said. “We’re ready to put 2023 behind us and move forward to the challenges that lie ahead in 2024. We’re excited about this schedule. One day at a time, chop wood, carry water. 1-0 every day. The process is proven, the process is lasting, the process is driven. BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD.”
The Spartans showed growth last year on both sides of the ball, ranking third in the MEAC in points per game and recording 23 takeaways. Of Norfolk State’s eight losses, four came by one score or less.
Norfolk State University will open the 2024 campaign on Aug. 24 in Atlanta, Ga., facing defending Celebration Bowl Champion Florida A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. This will mark Norfolk State’s first appearance in the event, held annually since 2005.
The Spartans play a second August game on the 31st, traveling to Greenville for a head-to-head showdown at East Carolina. It will mark the first-ever meeting between East Carolina and Norfolk State.
NSU faces Virginia State on Sep. 7 for its home opener, the 56th showdown between the schools. The Spartans remain at William “Dick” Price Stadium for the annual Battle of the Bay matchup with Hampton on Sep. 14.
The Spartans will face their third consecutive in-state foe on Sep. 21, meeting Virginia Military Institute for the first time since 2006. After a bye week, NSU travels north to play Sacred Heart on Oct. 5.
Norfolk State University closes out its nonconference schedule on Oct. 12 against Towson, the Spartans’ first home bout in nearly a month. The Spartans dominated on the ground against the Tigers during the 2023 matchup between the teams, amassing 350 rushing yards in the 21-14 victory.
Norfolk State opens MEAC play with a bang, hosting defending conference champion Howard on Oct. 26. In addition to the crucial implications on the field, the showdown will mark Norfolk State’s annual homecoming game.
The Spartans head to Baltimore to face Morgan State on Nov. 2, before returning home for a highly anticipated matchup with North Carolina Central on Nov. 9. Norfolk State will look to send its seniors off with a win in their final game at William “Dick” Price Stadium on Nov. 16, going toe-to-toe with the Hornets of Delaware State.
The Spartans close the 2024 regular season at South Carolina State on Nov. 23. The last time NSU traveled to Orangeburg, Spartans quarterback Otto Kuhns threw five touchdown passes in a thrilling 42-38 victory on Nov. 19, 2022.
Gametimes and season ticket sales will be revealed at a later date.