It did not take the Towson Tigers (1-0) long to rain on the Michael Vick parade on Thursday evening in Norfolk, VA. The former NFL star officially began his college coaching career with Norfolk State (0-1) but it was not the start Vick or his team wanted as visiting Towson ran away with a 20-point victory to open the 2025 season.
After forcing an opening three-and-out, the Tigers offense wasted no time getting the ball rolling. Freshman quarterback Andrew Indorf capped a quick drive with a 33-yard
touchdown strike to receiver Jaceon Doss. In what felt like a blink, Towson was on top 7-0 and, unfortunately for the Spartans, it was just a taste of what Pete Shinnick’s unit would have in store.
Indorf and company would go on to score on their next two possessions, both of which happened to be 11-play marches that were finished off by Caden Williams. Williams’ 50-yarder in the second quarter was the longest of his college career up to this point. By halftime, the Tigers had opened up a 13-0 lead.
While Towson did so much well on both sides of the ball through the opening 30 minutes, Norfolk State also could not stay out of its own way. Penalties and dropped passes plagued the Spartans and it seemed like any time they got momentum built, it was self-inflicted wounds that derailed it. Even when NSU caught a break with a big pass interference call on Tigers defensive back Jasin Shiggs right before the break, they couldn’t capitalize. Kicker Evan Helfrich missed his field goal try.
The second half played out a little better for Vick’s squad, at least early on. After a scoreless third frame, Norfolk State finally got on the board with a touchdown run from Jaylen Laudermilk on the first play of the fourth. It appeared as though the tides were turning as the Spartans’ defense forced Towson’s offense into a third and long. Indorf, however, squashed the newfound momentum with another deep touchdown throw on the very next snap, this one 36 yards to Zay Perkins.
Already up 20-7, Towson proceeded to put the game away late in the fourth quarter with another passing TD of the night on a free play following an offsides call. Indorf aired it out to John Dunmore for the 15-yard dagger.
Indorf did not play like a true freshman in his debut, completing 14 throws for 187 yards and three scores, all of which went to different receivers. On the other side, the Tigers defense was lights out, holding Norfolk State to just 3-of-12 on third down and thwarting the rushing attack to a mere 39 yards. Even on a series that wouldn’t have made a difference in the outcome, the Towson D buckled down and held strong four times at the goal line right at the end.
The Spartans, meanwhile, struggled on many fronts all night but penalties were the biggest issue. In total they were flagged nine times, costing them 78 yards. While the defense showed flashes they also gave up too many big pass plays. It was Isreal Carter that started for NSU but he was pulled in favor of Otto Kuhns after just four pass attempts. Kuhns threw for 219 yards while Kevon King led the rushers with just 30 on the ground.
Towson will now turn its attention to another MEAC team in Morgan State. The Tigers will face the Bears on the road next Saturday. Norfolk State, meanwhile, will prepare to host Division II Virginia State.
