In a season already marked by growing pains, Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick is facing mounting adversity.
The former NFL star and newly minted head coach has watched his Spartans struggle to find a consistent footing on the field, hindered repeatedly by penalties that surface at crucial moments and ultimately derail drives and momentum.
In his candid remarks following recent games, Vick did not hold back. “Do I like what I see? No, I don’t,” said Vick. “We’ve got to stop beating ourselves. Penalties kill momentum, and right now we are shooting ourselves in the foot too often. That’s something we have to clean up immediately if we want to win football games.”
The penalty woes are not just an isolated concern; they exemplify broader challenges the Spartans have encountered en route to a losing stretch this season. Coming off tough losses, including a blowout defeat to FBS opponent Rutgers and a recent close loss to Hampton, where Norfolk State once again failed to execute down the stretch.
In its 41-34 loss to the Pirates, NSU committed 17 penalties. Versus Wagner, an 18-13 loss, there were seven infractions. For the season, Norfolk State ranks second in the MEAC in total penalties with 65 for 538 yards through six games.
“It’s a grind,” Vick acknowledged, reflecting on the ups and downs of his debut season as a head coach. “I am learning along with these guys. Football is different when you’re on the other side of the sidelines. We have to develop pride in the details, in every play, in every snap.”
The penalties are a symptom of an inexperienced squad adapting to Vick’s systems and expectations. Still, the coach insists the talent is there, but only when combined with improved focus and discipline will Norfolk State make strides in the competitive MEAC conference.
“We can’t change the fact that we’re young and still learning. But we can control our actions. That starts with eliminating penalties, and I’m going to keep pushing that every day,” Vick reiterated.
Still, the Spartans are 1-5. But Vick says the group will not relent in the face of losing.
“So I’ve never been in this situation where, you know, I’ve completely given up in football,” said Vick. “And, you know, I think we got enough young men in that locker room to stay locked in and stay tight, and got a bunch of young, hungry players as well.”
As the Spartans prepare for upcoming conference matchups, Vick hopes his team will harness their frustrations into cleaner, sharper performances on the field.
The pressure is on Norfolk State to not only stop the penalties but to channel them into lessons for growth—a challenge Vick confronts head-on as he steers his team toward a season turnaround.