Norfolk St. 31, Liberty 24

Published Sep. 9, 2012 1:35 a.m. ET

foxsports

Running back Brendon Riddick's scored three touchdowns and Norfolk State's fourth-quarter fumble recovery helped the Spartans beat Liberty 31-24 Saturday night.

The Flames led 17-7 at halftime after Sirchauncey Holloway's 6-yard touchdown run and a field goal by John Lunsford gave.

Riddick, who had 150 yards rushing, and Norfolk State's special teams sparked the Spartans' second-half comeback.

The running back scored on a 10-yard touchdown run cut the deficit to 17-13. An 83-yard punt return for a touchdown by Keith Johnson gave Norfolk State its first lead.

But Liberty answered with a great special teams play of its own: Kevin Fogg ripped off a 77-yard punt return as the Flames recaptured the lead 24-19.

Then it was Riddick's turn again. His 10-yard put Norfolk State back up 25-24. The Spartans sealed the victory with 3:30 left when Marcell Coke returned a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown.