2012 DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
Delaware State Hornets (1-3; 0-1 MEAC) vs. Norfolk State Spartans (2-3; 0-2 MEAC) 
Sat., Oct. 6, 2012 (4:00 p.m.)
Dick Price Stadium (30,000) - Norfolk, Va.
Live audio - SFMSports.net

  
THE GAME
Delaware State returns to action after a week off with a visit to defending MEAC champ Norfolk State. The Hornets have dropped their last three games to fall to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the MEAC. DSU is coming off a 24-22 conference loss to Florida A&M in its last outing on Sep. 22. The Hornets failed on a potential game-tying two-point pass after their final score with 6:39 left to play. The loss overshadowed a career performance by DSU freshman tailback Dae-Hon Cheung, who rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in the contest. Cheung was starting in place of the Hornets' leading rusher Malcolm Williams, who sat out the game due to a hamstring injury. Norfolk State also brings a three-game losing streak into the contest. The Spartans are coming off a 14-0 road loss to South Carolina State last weekend. Norfolk State never recovered after giving up two first quarter touchdowns, including one on an interception return. The Spartans were also hurt by four turnovers in the contest.       

THE SERIES
The teams are meeting for the 18th consecutive year, and 20th time overall. Delaware State holds a 13-6 lead in the series, although Norfolk State has won the last three meetings. The Spartans won last year's contest 38-21 at DSU's Alumni Stadium. Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley completed 28-of-36 passes for 327 yards and two touchdowns to propel the Spartans' 526-yard attack in the 2011 contest. NSU's Takeem Hedgeman rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns while receiver Xavier Boyce had 10 catches for 124 yards and a score. Delaware State QB Nick Elko connected on 30-of-48 passes for 339 yards, each a career-high. Elko also tied his career-best with three touchdown passes. The last time the teams met at Norfolk State, the Spartans posted a 31-21 victory in 2010. The Spartans racked up 459 yards, including 310 on the ground, in the contest. Delaware State won six straight games between the teams from 2003  to 2008.