HU's offense leads MEAC but needs to cut back on turnovers against Norfolk State

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University’s offense was expected to be highly productive this season, and it has been. Three games in, the Pirates are averaging 33.3 points and 404 yards per game — both first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

HU couldn’t be much more efficient in the red zone. In 11 trips inside the 20-yard line, the Pirates have nine touchdowns and one field goal. They’re converting 55 percent of their third-down chances, fifth in the nation.

For the Pirates, that’s all good news. But Hampton has seven turnovers this season, four coming in last week’s 37-19 win over Howard.

And HU coach Connell Maynor knows that can’t happen Saturday against Norfolk State.

“When you play a good football team, you definitely can’t afford to turn the ball over, and definitely not four times,” he said. “Norfolk State has a good defense, and if we turn the ball over four times against them, I’d be lying if I said I thought we’d win the football game.

CONTINUE READING