Overview
- Jackson’s Hornets improved to 6-3, their best mark since 2012, while Vick’s Spartans fell to 1-8.
- Special teams and big plays proved decisive, with Amir Anderson’s blocked-punt touchdown and James Jones’s 76-yard scoring run powering Delaware State.
- Norfolk State stayed within reach on a 70-yard JJ Evans touchdown reception from Otto Kuhns before Delaware State closed it out.
- The matchup drew a national spotlight and celebrity presence, and the coaches shared an emotional midfield embrace after the final whistle.
- Outlets cited more than 47,000 in attendance, though photos showing empty sections fueled debate over the crowd, and one report said the event grossed over $1 million to benefit the schools.