Morgan State University Athletics

Boxscore

Bear Shots

Bear Shots II

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – It was not a masterpiece, but it got the job done. Today Morgan State posted a 14-9 win against conference rival Howard at the New York Urban League Football Classic in front of 24,996 fans in attendance.
 
Against the Bison, Morgan State (2-2, 1-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) again had to rely heavily on defense, but this time they were helped along by a number of turnovers to win their conference-opener. The Bears scored 14 points on turnovers, the Bison recorded four of their five fumbles in the first half.
 
Redshirt-freshman Robert Council threw the first touchdown of his career when he connected with junior tight end Kristian Johnson for a 3 yard score.
 
Council, a New Jersey native, completed 12-of-18 passes for 119 yards, including a 46-yard completion to senior tight end Lamont Bryant (3-58 yds.).
 
HU's Terrence Lefall rushed for 145 yards on 27 carries (184 total yards), and Willie Carter added nine catches for 96 yards, including a 16 yard touchdown to close the Bears' lead to 14-9.
 
The Bison (1-2, 0-2 MEAC) had a number of play-consuming drives, but failed to capitalize on the scoreboard, as HU placekicker Parker Munoz missed field goals from 35 and 39, and had five drives stall inside the 25-yard line.
 
Turnovers and average field position due to turnovers played a pivotal role in the game. Howard's average position on the field was the 21-yard line, opposed to the Bears average drive start being on the 44 yard line.
 
HU used a no-huddle attack throughout the game and outgained the Bears by a commanding 375-187 margin, and held a 23-10 advantage in first downs.
 
Despite HU's ability to move the ball up and down the field, the Bears' defense came to play and stiffened when it counted most.
 
Following a three and out by the Bears, Howard had five minutes left to try and close the gap or take the lead with a touchdown.  Freshman QB Greg McGhee engineered a 71-yard drive and put the Bison on the doorstep of a score. On 4^th and goal from the 8-yard line, McGhee took the snap and one-hopped a pass to his prime target Willie Carter. Game over.
 
Paul Eatman led the Bears defense with 13 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Linebackers Tierney Yates (10 TT, FF) and Michael Dallas II (9 TT, 2 FF) combined for 19 tackles and three forced fumbles.
 
MSU's next contest is Saturday, October 1^st when they host conference opponent North Carolina A&T. Kickoff at Hughes Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
 
Bear Notes:
 
Kenneth Ridley collected his 2^nd career pick when he stepped in front of a pass intended for HU's Willie Carter with 8 left to go in the game.