Spartans hold on for 27-21 win in MEAC opener

NORFOLK,VA - Holding on to the ball was a problem for Norfolk State on Saturday at Price Stadium. Despite that, the Spartans were able to hold on 27-21 in their MEAC opener against North Carolina A&T. It was an evening when a surprise shower soaked the field to start the fourth quarter, a respite from the humidity of late afternoon, when many Spartans suffered cramps. That was just something else for NSU to overcome - along with four fumbles, a blocked punt and a momentum swing after the Aggies rang up 14 third-quarter points.

Close games, said NSU coach Pete Adrian, whose team won six games in 2007 decided by eight points or fewer, are "our trademark. You overcome all the things we did in this game (and) it makes us a better football team." NSU (2-1, 1-0) was better Saturday largely due to DeAngelo Branche. The sophomore had his best day in a Spartan uniform, breaking tackle after tackle thanks to his superior speed and shifty lateral movement.

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Attendance: 12,632 (42%) Dick Price Stadium, Norfolk, VA (Capacity: 30,000).

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