BALTIMORE, Md. (August 31, 2024) -- The Morgan State Bears are off to a strong start to the season, securing a thrilling 30-28 victory over Hampton in their season opener. This marks the second consecutive year that the Bears have kicked off their campaign with a road win in Virginia.
The game's opening moments were marked by a bold strategy from Hampton. Seeking to seize early momentum, they surprised the Bears with an attempt to recover an onside kick. The Bears, however, were prepared and successfully recovered the kick at midfield, setting the stage for a more conventional start to the contest.
Keith Jenkins Jr. ignited the drive with a hard-nosed 24-yard run, setting the tone for the team's early dominance. The Bears' offensive line paved the way as the Bears methodically drove the ball down the field over nine plays and 45 yards. The drive, which chewed up a significant 5:24 off the clock, culminated in Myles Miree punching the ball into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown rush. The score gave Morgan an early 7-0 lead with 9:35 remaining in the first quarter
Hampton's offense seized the opportunity presented by a poor punt from Shane Messenger, finding themselves in prime field position at the Bear's 40-yard line. Capitalizing on the short field, the Pirates marched downfield efficiently, culminating in a powerful 2-yard touchdown run by Elijah Burris. The score tied the game at 7-7, injecting a surge of momentum into the Pirates and injecting a sense of urgency into the Bears with just 4:58 left in the first quarter.
Morgan lit the scoreboard early in the second quarter, setting the stage for an offensive surge. Jenkins Jr. provided the initial spark with a pair of tough, 10-yard runs, establishing a rhythm for the Bears' ground game. Then, in a flash, Jason Collins Jr. showcased his explosive speed, breaking free on just his second carry for a 41-yard touchdown scamper down the left sideline. This electrifying play catapulted Morgan into a 14-7 lead.
The Bears capitalized on a turnover midway in the second quarter when Chris Zellous' floated over his intended target a was intercepted by Jadon Carter, who returned it deep into Hampton territory. The Bears took advantage three plays later, as Miree scored on a 4-yard misdirection run for his second touchdown of the night. The ensuing extra point attempt by Beckett Leary was blocked. Morgan led 20-7 with 9 minutes left in first half.
Despite facing adversity with a pair of penalties that stalled their drive, the Pirates offense found a spark in quarterback Mays. Facing a 2nd and 17, Mays ran a play-action pass and found Elijah Burris wide open over the seam for a 33-yard touchdown strike. This explosive play breathed life back into the Pirates' momentum, cutting the Bears' lead to 20-14 with just two minutes left in the half.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Tahj Smith's electrifying run propelled the Bears deep into enemy territory, setting up a first-and-goal situation. However, the Bears' offensive drive, though impressive in its length and time of possession, ultimately stalled just short of the end zone. After a grueling 13-play, 73-yard drive that chewed up over 7:33 of the clock, the Bears were forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal by Leary. The successful kick extended their lead to 23-14, a crucial boost with a mere 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The Pirates' offense ignited with a crucial spark when a face-mask penalty on Josh Graham propelled them to the Bears' 4-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Ja'Quan Snipes plunged up the middle on the ensuing play, finding the end zone and narrowing the deficit to 23-21 with just 1:40 remaining in the third quarter.
The Bears' offense once again responded. A play-fake by Tahj Smith caught the defense off guard, allowing him to connect with Marquez Phillips for a 37-yard gain. This momentum shift paved the way for J.J. Davis, who capped off the drive with a decisive 15-yard touchdown run. The score pushed the Bears' lead to 30-21
The momentum shifted dramatically in the Bears' favor when a crucial play unfolded on the field. Josh Graham, displaying impressive defensive tenacity, forced a fumble from Dorrian Moultrie, with Arturo Mattocks swiftly recovering the loose ball on the Bears' 19-yard line. This pivotal takeaway, with just over 11 minutes remaining in the game. However, the ensuing drive proved unsuccessful, failing to capitalize on the advantageous field position. Messenger's punt gave the Pirates possession at their 21-yard line, with 8 minutes still on the clock, setting the stage for a tense and exciting finish to the contest.
The Pirates' hopes hung in the balance as the clock ticked down. Zellous' deep throw, a desperate gamble on 3rd and long, was met with a holding call, that kept their drive alive with just five minutes remaining. On the ensuing 3rd and short, Malcolm Mays found wideout Kevin Johnson Jr. in space, and the receiver broke a tackle and exploding into the endzone for a 29-yard touchdown. The score, a spark of hope amidst the dwindling time, brought the Pirates within two points, trailing 30-28 with 4:29 left to play.
The Bears, clinging to a slender lead, had the opportunity to drain the clock and secure victory. Facing a crucial 3rd and short, Smith delivered, picking up the first down and got bonus yards as a late hit after the whistle drew a flag for unnecessary roughness. Then the Bears practically put the game away when Myles Miree exploded through the line, breaking off a 15-yard run that carried him deep into Hampton territory. It was a play that sucked the remaining life out of the Pirates as Morgan came away with the victory.
BEAR NOTE
▪️The game marked the 67th meeting between the two schools ... Morgan leads the overall series 39-26-2 since 1930.
▪️The game also marked Morgan's second season-opener win since defeating the Richmond Spiders 17-10 at Robins Stadium.
▪️It's also the first time Morgan has won back-to-back season openers in 20 years ... they opened the 2003 season with a 19-16 home win vs. Towson, followed by a 41-35 home win vs. Bowie State in 2004.
▪️ In their last matchup, the Pirates posted a 21-12 victory against the Bears on Oct. 15, 2016 at Armstrong Stadium.
▪️Morgan's last win against the Pirates was a 38-35 victory at Armstrong Stadium on Nov. 1, 2014.
▪️Morgan finished with a team-high 244 rushing yards … it was the first time since 2022 the Bears had recorded 200 or more yards on the ground … they posted 249 yards vs. Norfolk State in 2022.
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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.
