Norfolk State hopes experience can lead to turnaround season

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk State opened up fall camp this week as the Spartans look to turn things around from a disappointing 2023 season that saw them stumble to a 3-8 record and just 1-4 in MEAC play.

Picked to finish fifth in the pre season poll, fourth-year head coach Dawson Odums has a lot of experience to lean on. The Spartans return 16 starters from last season including quarterback Otto Kuhns who was All-MEAC first-team selection.

To help ignite the offense, Odums brought in a new offensive coordinator, Jason Phillips, who was the offensive coordinator at Alcorn State.

After an up and down 2023, Odums is looking for consistency in 2024.

“Well, it’s a big adjustment,” Odums said. “We believe this football team has got some special things that can happen to them, but we’ve got to put it all together and keep working hard and they’re doing that.”

NSU opens the season Aug. 24 in Atlanta against Florida A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

The home opener is the following week against Virginia State in the Labor Day Classic.

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