All-MEAC linebacker Albert Gamble scored on a 52-yard fumble recovery.
Boxscore
Morgan State ran over a speed bump in its attempt to get back in the win column as Reese McCampbell threw a pair of touchdown passes to lead South Carolina State to a 27-21 victory.
Morgan State’s quarterback trio of Jorge Pena, LeJominick Washington and Bradshaw Littlejohn combined for 8-of-31 passes and an interception as MSU (1-2, 0-1 MEAC) lost its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest of the season.
The contest marked the 30th gridiron confrontation between the teams. Last year MSU defeated the Bulldogs, 23-12, in Orangeburg, SC. The Bulldogs avenged that loss today in front of 3,576 rain-drenched fans in Hughes Stadium. SCSU has not lost in Baltimore in over 20 years.
SCSU opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Reese McCampbell connected with wideout Tavarus Morgan for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Marcus Jones’ extra point attempt sailed wide left as the ‘Dawgs sat on a 6-0 lead with 3:07 remaining in the quarter.
The ‘Dawgs defense forced a three-and-out on MSU’s ensuing possession leading to a Jon Voroshilin punt. The ‘Dawgs took over at its 46-yard and two plays later, Jermaine Brown sliced through Morgan’s defense for a 46-yard TD run as SCSU ended the quarter with a 13-0 lead.
MSU’s stalled throughout most of the 2nd quarter and the ‘Dawgs had opportunities to add more points to its lead. On a 1st and 10 from the Morgan 18, SCSU had its drive ended when an errant McCampbell pass was picked-off by linebacker Carlos Watts. Both teams ended the quarter scoreless, as MSU left the field trailing,13-0, at the break.
MSU stuck to the ground attack during its first possession of the 3rd quarter. The Bears put together an impressive 18-play, 76-yard drive that was capped by a 1-yard TD run by tailback Craig Nelson. The freshman finished the game with 50 yards on 12 carries. Voroshilin’s extra point cut the lead to 13-7 with 6:50 left in the 3rd quarter.
The end of the third quarter was marked by ragged play. SCSU’s Marcus Jones had a 35-yard field goal blocked as the Bears regained possession on the Morgan 8. On the Bear’s first play, LeJominick Washington fumbled the ball and SCSU’s Patrick Reed recovered it on Morgan’s 19. Next, McCampbell lofted a pass to Tavarus Morgan, but Larry Davis intercepted the throw in the endzone for a touchback.
During the start of the 4th quarter, the Bears received another gift from the SCSU offense. On a 1st and 10 from Morgan’s 38, McCampbell fumbled the ball and All-MEAC linebacker Albert Gamble scooped it up and raced 52 yards for a touchdown. Voroshilin’s extra point gave the Bears a 14-13 lead with 13:16 remaining in the game.
McCampbell helped get his team back on the scoreboard when he hooked-up with Michael King for a 49-yard TD pass and rushed for another score to push the ‘Dawgs lead to 27-14 with 1:27 left in the game.
MSU scored its final points when LeJominick Washington hit newcomer Tommie Manus in the endzone for a 51-yard TD strike.
The game marked Morgan State’s first home loss since falling to Bethune-Cookman on October 5, 2002.
LeJominick Washington had an uncharacteristic passing day, connecting on just 6-of-25 passes for 156 yards and an interception. Washington had a better time of running the ball as he led the Bears with 118 yards on 20 carries.
Morgan State had had 338 yards of total offense compared to 459 for SCSU.
All-MEAC kicker Jon Voroshilin had a busy day as he recorded 9 punts for 391 yards (43.4 avg.), including a season-long 48-yarder.
Coty Martin was a workhorse for the ‘Dawgs as he rushed for 155 yards on 12 carries, including a 44-yarder. Tavarus Morgan had a game-high 10 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown.
Wideout Tommie Manus led the Bears receiving corps with 4 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown, while tailback Isaiah Long had a solid day by collecting 71 yards on 15 carries.
MSU’s Albert Gamble and SCSU’s Coty Martin were selected as the Most Valuable Players of the Game. Gamble completed the game with 5 tackles (1 TFL), a sack and a 52-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Aaris Johnson led the Bears with a career-high 11 tackles, Vincent Brown had 9 tackles, and “Choo Choo” Davis added 7 tackles with an interception and 2 breakups.
The Bears will have a week off to regroup before playing Hampton at Giants Stadium for the New York Urban League Whitney Young Classic on September 27th.
