Michael Vick's Norfolk State Loses 6th Straight as South Carolina State Cruises

Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick made some changes to his defensive staff this week, firing a number of coaches. It didn't do the Spartans much good on Saturday.

Vick's team was rocked by South Carolina State, 51-20, the school's sixth straight loss. Norfolk State is now just 1-7 on the season in Vick's first year on the job.

The defense simply couldn't slow down South Carolina State, giving up 38 points and 379 yards of total offense in the first half alone. William Atkins IV threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns as the Bulldogs compiled 613 yards of total offense.

Yes, you read that last number right.

As for Norfolk State, quarterback Otto Kuhns threw for 230 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, but it was a moot point since the defense couldn't get South Carolina State off the field (9-of-16 on third down).

Suffice to say, those defensive staffing alterations didn't have many short-term benefits.

"That's my job as a leader," Vick told reporters this week when discussing the changes to the defensive staff, though he didn't confirm who was let go. "Not to say that it hasn't been a success in some areas, it's just what I expect is far more than what we've been getting so far. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. I expect certain standards, and as long as I'm the head coach, I'm gonna make the right decision, do what's best for the team."

It would appear the team's issues run deep, at least on the defensive side of the ball. It's been a rough coaching debut for Vick, and Saturday was a new low.