No safety net for NSU in crowded race

NORFOLK, Virginia -- With five MEAC games left on the schedule, one thing is clear for Norfolk State: From this point on, the Spartans are performing without a net.

A 27-3 home loss to No. 24 North Carolina A&T two weeks ago put NSU (2-4, 2-1 MEAC) into a five-way tie for second behind the undefeated Aggies. Another hiccup in today's 4 p.m. game at perennial conference power Bethune-Cookman could remove the Spartans from contention for a spot in the inaugural Celebration Bowl, the new reward for the MEAC champion.

Each loss is now more costly than the last.

"You can't afford to lose any," said first-year coach Latrell Scott, whose team is coming off an open date as it tries to address its mainly offensive shortcomings.

NSU has yet to figure things out on offense. The Spartans are averaging ...

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