ATHENS, Ohio (September 14, 2024) — Despite a valiant effort in the opening half that kept them within striking distance, the Morgan State Bears were ultimately unable to overcome Ohio on a sunny Saturday at Peden Stadium. The Bobcats capitalized on the Bears scoring lull, extending their lead and ultimately securing a 21-6 victory on their home turf.
It was only Morgan's second loss of the season. The Bears' other loss came on the road against the Towson Tigers, 14-9, last Saturday. Morgan is now 1-2 overall this season.
The Bears were unable to generate any scoring threats in the second half, while Ohio had tough sledding against one of the top defenses in the FCS, as they would add just one touchdown to stretch its 14-6 halftime lead to a final score of 21-6.
Parker Navarro's afternoon took a turn for the worse in the first half, as he became the victim of three costly interceptions. The repeated turnovers ultimately led to a decision to replace him with Nick Poulous at the start of the second half. This substitution seemed to inject fresh energy into the Bobcats' offense.
Poulos orchestrated a methodical, 9-play, 74-yard drive that consumed a significant chunk of the clock (4:34) to open the half. This early drive showcased Poulos' ability to move the chains effectively, especially on the ground. The big plays on the drive included chunk runs by Poulos of 12, 17, and a 9-yarder. The drive culminated with Anthony Tyus II, who broke a tackle en route to a 13-yard touchdown run. Tyus's score extended Ohio's lead to 21-6 with 10:20 on the clock in the third quarter.
On the Bears ensuing drive, Jason Collins nearly scored before a shoestring touchdown saving tackle at midfield. The Bears' drive appeared to be salvaged when a roughing the passer penalty moved them to the Ohio 14-yard line, setting up a promising scoring opportunity. On 3rd & goal from the 5, Smith's short slant pass to Andre Crawley was broken up by Ohio's DJ Walker.
Despite the close scoring position, the Bears came up empty. Leary's 22-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Bradley Weaver, marking the third time this season the Bears' kicking game had been stymied by a blocked field goal.
Morgan was back in business at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Bears' offense, fueled by Myles Myrie's hard-earned 12-yard run that brought them down to the 8-yard line, appeared poised to punch in for a much-needed score. However, the Bobcats' defense stood firm, stonewalling J.J. Davis on a crucial 4th and goal play from the 2-yard line. The defensive stand resulted in a turnover on downs, handing the ball back to Ohio with 13:25 left on the clock.
Ohio scored on its opening drive of the day. Following a pass Interference on the opening play, the Bobcats used uptempo play to move the ball down the field. The Bobcats employed some trick play to open the scoring when running back Anthony Tyus III moved behind center in the wildcat, took the snap and pitched to quarterback Parker Navarro, who tossed a pass back to Tyus for a 19-yd touchdown to help put the Bobcats ahead 7-0 with 6:37remaining.
Morgan responded with a pair of big plays on offense. J.J. Davis provided a spark with a 16-yard run pushing the ball closer to midfield. Tahj Smith then connected with Andre Crawley on a 33-yard pass over the middle. This offensive surge culminated in a 30-yard field goal by Beckett Leary, narrowing the deficit to 7-3 with just over two minutes left on the clock. The score was the result of a 10 play, 62 yard drive that consumed 4:36.
Navarro showcased his arm strength and athleticism in the closing moments of the first quarter.He first connected with Coleman Owen on a deep 53-yard pass, setting up a promising scoring opportunity. Two plays later Navarro ran a read-option and turned the left corner before powering into the endzone for a 10-yard touchdown. The score extended the team's lead to 14-3, a commanding advantage heading into the second quarter.
Parker Navarro's afternoon took a turn for the worse in the first half, as he became the victim of three costly interceptions. The repeated turnovers ultimately led to a decision to replace him with Nick Poulous at the start of the second half. This substitution seemed to inject fresh energy into the Bobcats' offense.
Nick Poulos orchestrated a methodical, 9-play, 74-yard drive that consumed a significant chunk of the clock (4:34) to open the half. This early drive showcased Poulos' ability to move the chains effectively, especially on the ground. The big plays on the drive included chunk runs by Poulos of 12, 17, and a 9-yarder. The drive culminated with Anthony Tyus II, who broke a tackle en route to a 13-yard touchdown run. Tyus's score extended Ohio's lead to 21-6 with 10:20 on the clock in the third quarter.
On the Bears ensuing drive, Jason Collins nearly scored before a shoestring touchdown saving tackle at midfield. The Bears' drive appeared to be salvaged when a roughing the passer penalty moved them to the Ohio 14-yard line, setting up a promising scoring opportunity. On 3rd & goal from the 5, Smith's short slant pass to Andre Crawley was broken up by Ohio's DJ Walker.
Despite the close scoring position, the Bears came up empty. Leary's 22-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Bradley Weaver, marking the third time this season the Bears' kicking game had been stymied by a blocked field goal.
Morgan was back in business at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Bears' offense, fueled by Myles Myrie's hard-earned 12-yard run that brought them down to the 8-yard line, appeared poised to punch in for a much-needed score. However, the Bobcats' defense stood firm, stonewalling J.J. Davis on a crucial 4th and goal play from the 2-yard line. The defensive stand resulted in a turnover on downs, handing the ball back to Ohio with 13:25 left on the clock.
Ohio scored on its opening drive of the day. Following a pass Interference on the opening play, the Bobcats used uptempo play to move the ball down the field. The Bobcats employed a trick play to open the scoring when running back Anthony Tyus III moved behind center in the wildcat, took the snap and pitched to quarterback Parker Navarro, who tossed a pass back to Tyus for a 19-yd touchdown to help put the Bobcats ahead 7-0 with 6:37remaining.
Morgan responded with a pair of big plays on offense. J.J. Davis provided a spark with a 16-yard run pushing the ball closer to midfield. Tahj Smith then connected with Andre Crawley on a 33-yard pass over the middle. This offensive surge culminated in a 30-yard field goal by Beckett Leary, narrowing the deficit to 7-3 with just over two minutes left on the clock. The score was the result of a 10 play, 62 yard drive that consumed 4:36.
Navarro showcased his arm strength and athleticism in the closing moments of the first quarter.He first connected with Coleman Owen on a deep 53-yard pass, setting up a promising scoring opportunity. Two plays later Navarro ran a read-option and turned the left corner before powering into the endzone for a 10-yard touchdown. The score extended the team's lead to 14-3, a commanding advantage heading into the second quarter.
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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.
