Norfolk State and Old Dominion, with their campuses separated by less than five miles, square off in a first round FCS playoff game at Old Dominion's Foreman Field. It's the first football game between the two schools, who will start a series in 2013. ODU's program is just three years old and has built up a team to playoff-caliber with astonishing speed. Norfolk State, hailing from the MEAC, was chosen for the FCS playoffs for the first time at the division one level. It's only the second time in 27 years that they are in an NCAA playoff game.
Old Dominion features a fast-paced offense led by head coach Bobby Wilder. The Monarchs average nearly 36 points per game, putting them in the top ten among all FCS schools. The Spartans, on the other hand, have one of the top five defenses in the country - allowing less than 16 points per game. Norfolk State is looking to clinch the first playoff win for a MEAC team in 12 years. Kick-off is set for 1:30 PM and the winner will face number three seed Georgia Southern next Saturday.
Norfolk State (9-2) vs. Old Dominion (9-2)
1:30 PM, ODU Foreman Field
Broadcast: ESPN3