The 2024 MEAC football season will heat up as North Carolina Central University (NCCU) takes on Norfolk State in its first conference game in Indianapolis at the Circle City Classic. NCCU is the preseason favorite to win the MEAC, while Norfolk State was picked to finish fifth. This game will give both teams a chance to show what they’re made of—and it could shake things up early in the season.
North Carolina Central comes into the game looking strong.NCCU crushed rival North Carolina A&T, 66-24, and its offense was hard to stop. Quarterback Walker Harris has been a key player, throwing for 660 yards and five touchdowns this season. NCCU averages 31.5 points per game, showing why they were picked to win the MEAC.
“We’ve worked hard to stay consistent, and Walker has been leading the way,” said NCCU coach Trei Oliver. “But Norfolk is going to be a tough test. They always come prepared.”
On the other side, Norfolk State is ready to prove people wrong. Though it was picked fifth in the preseason, the Spartans are coming off a 32-10 win over VMI and are hungry for more. Running back Kevon King, who has rushed for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns, will be key for NSU. It will need a strong running game to keep up with NCCU’s high-powered offense.
“We know people don’t expect us to win, but we’re ready to show that we belong,” said Norfolk State coach Dawson Odums. “NCCU is a great team, but we’ve got the players to challenge them.”
A big part of this game will be NSU defense against North Carolina Central’s passing game. Harris has been excellent, but Norfolk’s defense has forced seven interceptions this season. It could make all the difference if NSU can get turnovers and slow down NCCU.
“We’ve prepared for this. Turnovers are going to be key, and we need to make Walker Harris uncomfortable,” said Odums.
At the same time, NCCU’s defense has struggled to stop the run, allowing over 215 yards per game. This could be an opening for Norfolk State to run the ball with Kevon King and control the clock. If it can do that, it will have a chance to pull off an upset.
This MEAC matchup between Norfolk and North Carolina Central isn’t just about winning a game—it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season. For NCCU, it’s a chance to show why it is the top HBCU team in the conference. For Norfolk State, it’s an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and make a statement.
Will North Carolina Central keep up its dominance, or can Norfolk State rise to the occasion? This game will tell us a lot about what’s to come in MEAC football this year.