Norfolk State has a game under its belt, losing a 24-23 thriller to Florida A&M to kick off the season. It has a good ground game to give East Carolina issues – the Pirates have a ton of work to do. Their schedule isn’t awful, but there’s a problem this season if they can’t pull this off.
East Carolina vs Norfolk State Preview
East Carolina vs Norfolk State How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 6:00 pm ET
Venue: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
How to Watch: ESPN+
2023 Records: East Carolina (2-10) 2024 Record: Norfolk State (0-1)
– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
Why Norfolk State Will Win
The Spartan ground game worked. It ran for 227 yards averaging over five yards per carry against Florida A&M, with the 1-2 punch of Kevon King and Xzavion Evans going off. The East Carolina run defense has to hold up, but it’s more about an offense that has to keep the pace. However …
Why East Carolina Will Win
The Pirate defense came up with a good year in a bad season, and it should be strong again. The pass defense was generally the problem, and there wasn’t enough of a pass rush, but against Norfolk State it’s about slowing down the run, and this group should win its share of battles.