Monday, September 10, 2012

Five things we (Norfolk State) learned, the Liberty edition

NORFOLK, Virginia  -  Five things we learned.

The Brendon Riddick switch worked – Norfolk State’s redshirt freshman played quarterback until last spring. Now, just two games into his career at running back, he’s the team’s top tailback. He’s been the team’s best offensive weapon in each of the first two weeks, ripping off a run of more than 60 yards in two straight games. He carried the Spartans to victory against Liberty and, despite coming into Week 2 as the third-string running back on his team, he’s second in the entire MEAC in rushing yardage (118.5 yards per game) and tied for first in touchdowns (4).

Nico Flores is different from last year – We’re still not sure how effectively Flores can throw the ball, but the quarterback has made significant improvements in his overall game from last year. Now that he’s not just a wildcat quarterback where opponents know he’ll be running the ball on every play, Flores was the scrambling threat (76 yards) that head coach Pete Adrian hoped he’d be against Liberty. If nothing else, he seems to have curbed his penchant for unforced fumbles and is running with m ore authority. Even without a passing game, that, combined with NSU’s defense, should give the Spartans a chance nearly every week.
 

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