Delaware State caps 36-33 comeback over Norfolk State before 32,567

Delaware State quarterback Marqui Adams threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Kyree Benton to tie the score at 33 with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. The score held until Norfolk State's game-winning kick as time expired, resulting in a 36-33 loss for the Hornets. The final score concluded the second annual HBCU Classic at Lincoln Financial Field, attended by 32,567 fans.

Adams entered the game as the fifth different quarterback to start for Delaware State this season. He was benched in the first half after two sacks and an offensive stall. Head coach DeSean Jackson pulled him from the bench for the third quarter. Adams completed 17 of 23 passes for 243 yards and four touchdowns in his final 33 minutes on the field.

Both teams entered the game with identical Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference records. The matchup serves as a high-stakes rivalry between two former Philadelphia Eagles players now serving as head coaches. Jackson is 2-0 against his former teammate and friend, Michael Vick, who has coached Norfolk State for two seasons.

Vick addressed the media after the loss. He noted that the program has improved from last season's 1-11 record. Vick said, "There's a lot of room to build, going through last year.. It's part of the decision making, and I have to be accountable for. And it's the fun part of it, you know. But we have three critical games left."

Former Eagles offensive tackle Tra Thomas returned to the sidelines as an assistant coach for Delaware State. Thomas played 11 seasons for the Eagles and earned his degree from Florida State University to coach at the college level. He said, "Coming back to the Linc, it brings back so many memories and emotions, because you spent so much time on this field."

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, a 1994 graduate of Lincoln University, attended events during HBCU Week. The week included a bonus game involving her alma mater, a career fair, and a battle of the bands. Parker told the Inquirer, "The hope is that if we do it right, I'll be dead. But Philly will still have a HBCU Classic."

Eagles Chief Operating Officer Frank Gumienny discussed the possibility of expanding the event to other HBCUs. He cited scheduling conflicts between the Eagles and Temple football as a challenge. Gumienny said, "We had a step show, and really I learned a lot about the HBCU culture and how exciting it really was. The city is committed, and Mayor Parker specifically is committed."

Vick previously declined to make the game an annual event. After the loss on Saturday, he changed his stance. Vick stated, "Just going back and thinking about it, it's just a great opportunity for the players. The stage is as big as it's going to get on our level, and we got to take advantage of that.. It's a no-brainer, man."

Adams credited the performance to the support of the Philadelphia fan base. He said, "It just felt like a blessing to come back to my home city. I had to put on for my city. It just really felt like a dream come true. I had to go out there and ball."