The Spartans have appeared in the FCS playoffs one time with an overall record of 0–1.
Year
Round
Opponent
Result
2011
First Round
Old Dominion
L 18–35
Division II Playoffs results[]
The Bears have appeared in the Division II playoffs one time with an overall record of 0–1.
Year
Round
Opponent
Result
1984
Quarterfinals
Towson State
L 21–31
Rivalries[]
Old Dominion[]
NSU and Old Dominion played for the first time on November 26, 2011 in the first round of the FCS playoffs which resulted in a 35–18 Spartan loss. Old Dominion and NSU announced a new deal for a home and away series in 2013 and 2015 to help fill out open game dates for ODU's transition to the FBS.[5] ODU plays at Foreman Field; NSU at Dick Price Stadium.
As of the 2017 season, Norfolk State has a 28–26–1 series lead over the Pirates of Hampton University, another historically black university in the Hampton Roads area.
Notes[]
^Norfolk State won the 2011 MEAC football title, but the championship was subsequently stripped by the NCAA in June 2016.