Norfolk State Loses to NC Central After Vick’s Victory Formation Order Was Ignored

Norfolk State lost a 29-28 game to North Carolina Central on Saturday after head coach Michael Vick’s order to run the victory formation was ignored.

With 1:34 remaining and North Carolina Central out of timeouts, Norfolk State faced second-and-five from the 50-yard line.

North Carolina Central recovered the fumble at the Norfolk State 37-yard line. Five plays later, Joshua Jones threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Mekhi Wall with 27 seconds left on the clock. WTKR noted that the two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 29-28.

Norfolk State responded by driving into field goal range following penalties against the Eagles. Marco Peery attempted a 37-yard field goal with four seconds left, but the kick sailed wide.

Vick expressed confusion after the game regarding the play call that ruined the victory. I don’t know what happened at the end of the game, Vick told reporters, according to USA Today. I put my headset down, I called victory formation. All we had to do was just take a knee, kneel the clock out. That’s just situational football.

Vick stated that he removed his headset and walked toward the sideline under the assumption that the game was effectively over. Footage of the moments before the play showed coaches and players discussing strategy near the bench while Vick was without a headset.

The loss dropped Norfolk State to 4-6 overall and 0-3 in MEAC play. Meanwhile, North Carolina Central improved to 5-5 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

Norfolk State outgained North Carolina Central 391 yards to 377 yards and held the ball for nearly 36 minutes. Bailey completed 22 of 26 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a score.

Norfolk State will travel to play Morgan State on November 14, 2026. North Carolina Central prepares for a first-place MEAC matchup against South Carolina State.

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