Delaware State’s prolific offense emerged rather belatedly, but not too late to secure a memorable win on Oct. 30 at Lincoln Financial Field.Two fourth-quarter touchdowns, the second a 76-yard run by James Jones with 6:38 left, allowed the Hornets to cement an eventual 27-20 win over Norfolk State in their MEAC football bout.The nationally televised game matched up ex-Eagles-turned-coaches – close friends DeSean Jackson at Delaware State and Michael Vick at Norfolk State.Coach Jackson was carried off the field postgame by players in an emotional and victorious ride.“It was surreal,” Jackson said of playing at the Linc against his ex-teammate’s team. “We had seven games before this. In every game, it was hard to not think about this game. So I’m glad we’re here. We’re over with it and we can move on.”But, man, just the energy when I walked on the field, smelling that grass. It just went through my veins. I just felt like I was about to play a game because that grass smelled very familiar.”Players equally reveled in the chance to play on an NFL field with a national TV audience tuned in. An accurate attendance was not revealed, but fans filled large portions of many sections, often sporting DSU’s or other HBCU school colors while delighting in the exuberant atmosphere.After a sluggish first half when he wondered if the festive setting undermined his team, Jackson happily watched the Hornets come to life and add another winning chapter to their 2025 resurgence. Delaware State (6-3 overall, 2-0 MEAC) is now assured of its first non-losing season since going 6-5 in 2012.The Hornets will try to stay in contention for their first MEAC title since 2007 on Nov. 7 at Morgan State in their next game. That’s the last time DSU started 2-0 in MEAC games.
