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HBCU Football: Will Norfolk State be among MEAC’s elite in 2021?

By Jarrett Hoffman

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 30: Head coach Dawson Odums watches the Houston Cougars play against the Southern University Jaguars in the first half on August 30, 2013 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Houston won 62 to 13. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 30: Head coach Dawson Odums watches the Houston Cougars play against the Southern University Jaguars in the first half on August 30, 2013 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Houston won 62 to 13. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) /
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The Norfolk State Spartans football team has fallen on hard times finishing with a combined 21-35 record over the last five seasons. Since 2000, they have only had one season in which they finished with a record of .500 or better coming in 2007 (wins from 2009-2011 vacated by NCAA).

In addition, as a result of their 2011 MEAC championship being stripped, Norfolk State does not have a conference title to its name.

However, this season could be the season that Norfolk State get over the hump and become MEAC champions once again.

Must Read: MEAC football preview, predictions for 2021 season

In the 2019 season, the Spartans finished 5-7 with a 4-4 conference record. Three of their four conference losses came against teams that are no longer in the MEAC with their lone loss being South Carolina State.

For starters, this will be the Spartans’ first season under new head coach Dawson Odums. He previously served as head coach of the Southern Jaguars for eight seasons finishing with an overall record of 59-30 (excluding his time as interim head coach). He led the team to four SWAC division titles and a conference championship in the 2013 season.

Also, the Spartans have arguably the best quarterback in the MEAC in Juwan Carter. In the 2019 season, the now-senior quarterback led the MEAC in total passing yards (2,631), tied for the most passing touchdowns (23), and was second in pass efficiency rating (146.5).

Will the Spartans be able to have a breakout season and win the MEAC? Let’s dissect this a little bit further.

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