Preview: Hampton University vs. Norfolk State University

Marty O'Brien, Daily Press

No. 18 Hampton (4-1, 3-1 MEAC) at Norfolk State (4-1, 3-0)
WHEN: 2 p.m. today. WHERE: Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk. RADIO: WHOV/88.1FM, WNSB/91.1FM.

Why is this game important?

The Battle of the Bay appears to be a true rivalry again. Hampton has dominated the series of late, winning the past four games by an average of 52-9. But the Spartans enter this contest tied for first in the MEAC and with a win over preseason conference favorite South Carolina State. This game usually generates high interest because of the proximity of the schools and the fierce halftime battle between the two fine marching bands. The hype surrounding this game makes it a possibility all 30,000 seats at Dick Price Stadium will be occupied today.

What are Norfolk State's strengths on offense?

Photo: NSU Senior QB Casey Hansen, 6-5/235

The Spartans have controlled the clock for about 32 minutes per game behind a solid short passing game. They don't stretch the field often with the pass, but QB Casey Hansen (204 passing yards per game) is a much better decision-maker than he was a year ago, and he does a nice job of putting the ball where his talented receiver corps can get to it. Sturdy tailback Daryl Jones has powered for 92.4 rushing yards per game, but is not a real breakaway threat. The offensive line is good, and the ball-control attack is a good way to deal with Hampton.

How will the Norfolk State defense deal with Hampton's offense?

A lot depends on how the Spartans' front deals with the Pirates' running attack. The Pirates are averaging just 134.4 yards on the ground. But starting tailback Kevin Beverly returned last week after missing three games and scored three touchdowns in the 48-27 win at Princeton. The Spartans boast physical and talented linebackers and defensive backs, but holding the Pirates below their average of 253 passing yards will be difficult. If the Pirates run wild on the ground, it will be another long day for NSU.

What must Hampton do to win?

Photo: HU Soph. QB T.J. Mitchell, 6-3/

A big key will be whether the defensive line can keep Hansen in the pocket. Hansen does a nice job passing when he gets the time to roll out and find his secondary receivers. If pressured often, he'll occasionally come unglued. You can bet the Spartans' defense will key on MEAC leading receiver Jeremy Gilchrist (31 receptions, 575 yards), so Pirates QB T.J. Mitchell must spread the ball to the other receivers. The best thing the Pirates can do is score some points early, because it's unlikely NSU has the ammo to win a shootout. The guess here is that HU wins 31-21.