Norfolk State has made only one playoff appearance since moving to FCS in 1997. The last five Spartan head coaches have had losing records, including Dawson Odoms, who was fired in November after going 15-30 in four seasons. Jackson replaced Lee Hull after the Hornets went 1-11 last season.

Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson became legends on the field. The quarterback and receiver connected many times for the Eagles. They returned to NovaCare as head coaching rivals. Jackson leads Delaware State.

In anticipation of the October matchup, the Eagles hosted a press conference featuring Jackson and Vick at the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday, August 12