Michael Vick called victory formation. Norfolk State’s next snap was a nightmare
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Norfolk State coach Michael Vick was stunned after his team lost a home game to North Carolina Central despite holding a 28-23 lead with under two minutes remaining and possession of the ball.
- Vick had instructed his team to run a victory formation to safely run out the clock, but quarterback Deljay Bailey instead rushed the ball and was strip-sacked, leading to a game-winning touchdown by NC Central.
- Norfolk State had a chance to win with a last-second 37-yard field goal attempt, but it was missed, sealing their defeat.
- Vick expressed confusion and frustration postgame, stating he had called for victory formation and did not understand why the team ran a rushing play instead.
- He acknowledged the play would serve as a negative teaching example and emphasized that the miscommunication cost the Spartans the game.
