First-year Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick said his team has found new energy and focus after a much-needed bye week as the Spartans prepare to host defending MEAC champion South Carolina State on Saturday for homecoming at Dick Price Stadium.
The Spartans enter the matchup 1–6, but Vick said the record doesn’t tell the whole story. Three of those losses came by less than a touchdown, leaving the former NFL quarterback confident his team is close to turning the corner.
“We just had to refocus and reshape how we’re going to do things moving forward,” Vick said during Monday’s MEAC coaches call. “Now that we’re going into conference play, it matters even more. The week off was amazing. We got healthier and rejuvenated with energy.”
Vick said the bye week served as a reset as Norfolk State begins the heart of its five-game conference schedule.
“It’s about what’s ahead,” he said. “From the first team meeting, I told them the goal is to bring home a conference championship. We’ve been through some tough times, but now it’s about structure, belief and, ultimately, finishing.”
The Spartans will face a South Carolina State team known for its physicality and discipline. Vick said the challenge will test his players’ endurance and mental toughness.
“They’re a well-coached football team with athletes everywhere,” Vick said. “We just have to come to play. For us, it’s about being durable and finishing strong. It’s not how you start—it’s how you finish.”
Quarterback Otto Kuhns will be central to the Spartans’ effort. Vick said the upcoming five-game stretch could define the senior’s college career.
“This is probably the most important five games of his life,” Vick said. “He has a chance to write his own story and lead this team toward something special.”
Despite the tough start, Vick said his players have continued to show resilience and confidence.
“I commend our players for staying confident and believing in each other,” he said. “We looked at the first half of the season as our trial run. Now it’s time to lock in and have fun competing.”
For Vick, the season has also been a personal learning experience in his first head coaching role.
“This is sort of an out-of-body experience,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot about preparation, leadership and staying observant. I never want to get to a point where I feel like I’ve got it all figured out.”
Vick highlighted several players he expects to make an impact down the stretch, including wide receiver DreSean Kendrick, running back Kevon King, and defensive standouts Khalil Gilmore, and Jaden Smith.
“We’ve got some exceptional players who want to finish strong,” he said. “Hopefully,
we can send our seniors out with a bang and play some inspired football down the stretch.”
Norfolk State (1–6) hosts South Carolina State (defending MEAC champion) on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
