Former NFL stars Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson will soon clash on the sidelines, bringing their competitive spirit back to the field they once dominated as teammates. The pair, known for their remarkable connection in Philadelphia—where they linked up for 13 touchdown passes—are now both head coaches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The much-anticipated match is set to take place on Thursday, October 30, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
DeSean Jackson is in his inaugural season as the head coach of Delaware State, currently boasting a record of 5-3 overall and 1-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). In contrast, Michael Vick leads Norfolk State, which has had a tougher start to the season with a record of 1-7 and 0-1 in MEAC play. Vick expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming matchup, emphasizing the significance of their encounter on the field: “It’s a hell of an opportunity to be across the field from DeSean,” he said on October 27.
Recent performance has shown contrasting fortunes for the two teams leading up to their face-off. Delaware State achieved a convincing 35-26 victory over North Carolina Central, giving them momentum heading into this game. Conversely, Norfolk State faced a tough defeat at the hands of South Carolina State, losing 51-20 in their MEAC opener.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU, with Tiffany Greene providing play-by-play commentary and Jay Walker serving as the analyst. Fans can also catch the action through streaming services like the ESPN app and Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Kickoff for this exciting MEAC matchup is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Predictions for the game lean in favor of Delaware State, with projections suggesting a two-touchdown victory driven by a standout performance from running back Marquis Gillis, expected to score three rushing touchdowns.
This event not only showcases the talents of these two legendary players turned coaches but also highlights the importance of HBCUs in the landscape of college football. As both teams strive for victory, the spirit of competition and camaraderie will undoubtedly shine through.