Norfolk, Va. (Sept. 6, 2025)-The Virginia State Universoty football team dropped an overtime thriller, 34-31 to Norfolk State after the Spartans scored 21 points in the fourth quarter. 

The Trojans (1-1) opened the game with an 11-play, 62-yard drive capped by a Joshua Campbell 22-yard field goal to take an early lead. Norfolk State (1-1) answered minutes later with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown to make it 7-3 after the first quarter.

VSU found its rhythm in the second, striking quickly as quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. connected with Ajenavi Byrd on a 41-yard touchdown pass. Moments later, Donavan Howard scooped up a Spartan fumble and returned it 57 yards for a defensive touchdown, pushing the Trojans ahead 16-7 at halftime.

After a third-quarter field goal by NSU, the Trojans responded when Malik Hunter tossed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Matthews Jr., giving VSU a 23-10 lead entering the fourth.

The Spartans surged back in the final quarter with two quick touchdowns to take a 24-23 advantage. With just over two minutes remaining, Matthews Jr. found Marquis Smith for a 28-yard touchdown, and then ran in the two-point conversion himself to give VSU a 31-24 lead.

Norfolk State, however, answered with a late drive capped by a 33-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 31 with under a minute to play. The Trojans had a chance to win in regulation, but a 46-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds hit off the crossbar.

In overtime, VSU's opening drive stalled, and Norfolk State capitalized with a 29-yard field goal to secure the win.

The Trojans finished with 440 yards of total offense, including 313 yards through the air. Matthews Jr. threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 22 yards. Byrd (101 yards, 1 TD) and Smith (105 yards, 1 TD) each recorded 100-yard receiving games. 

The Trojans will have a bye week then travel to Winston-Salem State on September 20.