BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 26, 2024) -- In an exciting clash on Saturday, Morgan State faced off against North Carolina Central during the Eagles' highly anticipated Homecoming. Despite a determined effort from the Bears, who fought valiantly to challenge the #20 Eagles, it was NCCU that emerged victorious with a hard-fought 16-7 win.
NCCU (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) finished off its fifth straight win of the season and posted its seventh straight win against the Bears since 2015. Morgan dropped to 3-5 overall and 0-1 in the MEAC.
Morgan's defense made crucial stops, keeping the game competitive, but the Eagles' offense managed to convert key opportunities into points. The atmosphere in the stadium was fueled by enthusiastic fans and the excitement of Homecoming festivities. In the end, NCCU's reinforced their status as the lead contenders in the conference.
The Eagles' offense orchestrated a pivotal moment late in the second quarter when quarterback Walker Harris connected with wide receiver Markell Quick for an electric 49-yard touchdown pass putting them on the scoreboard with just 7:06 left in the half. Juan Velarde's extra point attempt was successful, extending the Eagles' lead to 7-0.
As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, NCCU navigated their way deep into Morgan territory, hopeful for a potential score to add to their lead before halftime. However, the Bears' defense stood solid, as defensive lineman Elijah Williams broke through the offensive line and delivered a crushing blow on Walker Harris that resulted in both a sack and a fumble.
The Eagles ended up adding to their lead with 7:36 remaining in the third quarter when Kaleb Robison booted a 21-yard field goal to cap an 8-play, 52-yard drive.
Morgan's defense played a pivotal role in shifting the momentum during the game when Arturo Mattocks executed a crucial interception of Harris. The interception set the stage for the Bears' offense to capitalize on the sudden opportunity, as Mattocks returned the ball to the Eagles' 34-yard line. With the defense providing a spark, the Bears' offense took to the field, determined to convert the turnover into points. Tahj Smith engineered an 8-play, 34 yard drive.
Ultimately, it was Jason Collins who punctuated the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to put the Bears on the scoreboard. This score not only narrowed the gap to 10-7 but also reinvigorated the Bears' sideline and Morgan fanbase.
The Eagles broke the game open when J'Mari Taylor exploded for a 50-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt sailed wide left, but the Eagles increased their lead to 16-7.
Taylor finished with a game-high 196 yards on 26 carries.
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
