Coach says NSU Spartans remain motivated as Bethune-Cookman visits

BETHUNE-COOKMAN AT NORFOLK STATE

Time: 2 p.m

TV: ESPN3 (online); tape-delayed on ESPNU at 10:30 p.m.

Radio: 91.1 FM, 1310 AM

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Despite the five straight losses, despite the team goals that have fallen by the wayside and despite the not-so-glamorous notion of playing out the string, Norfolk State coach Latrell Scott remains optimistic his team will finish strong.

When the Spartans (1-5, 0-3 MEAC) meet winless Bethune-Cookman at 2 p.m. today , Scott said they’ll do so with an enthusiasm that belies their disappointing record. With five games to be played and NSU’s first winning season since 2011 still mathematically possible, all is not lost.

“I’m extremely excited that my guys are still ready to go,” Scott said. “You look at their demeanor, their tempo in practice. Nobody’s out here pouting. Nobody’s out here screwing around. These guys are looking forward to winning a game.”

They should be ready. More than two weeks have passed since NSU’s 35-0 loss at North Carolina A&T on Oct. 6. The Spartans believe they’ve put that time to good use, balancing rest and extra practice while re-evaluating their definition of a successful season.

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