TOWSON, Md. (Sept. 7, 2024) -- Morgan State scored the opening 3 points against crosstown rival Towson in the Battle for Greater Baltimore. But the Tigers responded by scoring the game's first two touchdowns, ultimately securing a 14-9 victory at Johnny Unitas Stadium in front of a sizable crowd of 8,394.
The win marked the first win of the season for Towson (1-1), as the Tigers improved to 23-6 against Morgan, and has won the last seven meetings. The last time Morgan defeated Towson was on Sept. 26, 2009 when they posted a 12-9 home victory.
UMass transfer and Baltimore product quarterback Carlos Davis orchestrated a solid offensive performance completed 21 of 28 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Morgan's (1-1) defense immediately set the tone for the Bears, igniting a promising start to the game. Carlvainsky Decius intercepted Davis's very first pass attempt on Towson's opening drive, placing them deep within Tiger territory and setting the stage for an early offensive opportunity. The Bears capitalized on this advantageous field position, with Beckett Leary drilling a career-long 40-yard field goal to secure a 3-0 lead just over 12 minutes into the first quarter.
The Tigers finally found the end zone midway in the first quarter, capitalizing on their third possession of the game. Davis orchestrated a swift, efficient drive, needing just three plays to cover 49 yards. The drive culminated in a 5-yard swing pass to Sam Reynolds, who found the end zone for the touchdown. The Tigers maintained a narrow lead, 7-3, with just over seven minutes remaining in the opening quarter.
Towson returned to the scoreboard in the closing moments of the second quarter. Christopher Watkins broke through the middle of Morgan's defense for a 6-yard touchdown run. The score capped a 8 play, 62-yard drive. Keegan Vaughn's extra point extended the Tigers' lead to a comfortable 14-3 heading into the break with the momentum.
The Bears exploded out of the gate. Just two plays into the third quarter, Tahj Smith found Joseph Kennerly streaking downfield for a 74-yard touchdown strike, injecting immediate life into the Bears' offense. However, the ensuing extra point attempt by Beckett Leary was blocked by the Tigers, leaving the score at 14-9.
Smith finished the night by completing 13 of 20 passes for a career-high 163 yards, including a touchdown. He was also sacked five times.
The second half unfolded as a stark contrast to the first, quickly turning into a grueling battle for the Tigers. Towson's offense was able to move the ball, but sputtered and stalled to finish off drives as a result of Morgan's stingy defense for the remainder of the game.
The Bears' defensive dominance was spearheaded by the duo of linebacker Arturo Mattocks and defensive lineman Elijah Williams. Mattocks led the game with nine tackles, including a tackle for loss. Meanwhile, Williams wreaked havoc in the backfield, racking up eight tackles and a pair of sacks, consistently disrupting Towson's offensive rhythm.
Morgan's hopes of reclaiming the lead hinged on their final drive, a desperate push with just six minutes left on the clock. Smith injected life into the Bears' fading aspirations, connecting with J.J. Davis for an 8-yard gain on a crucial third down.
Myles Miree then carried the momentum, churning out two consecutive runs to propel Morgan to midfield. However, the drive stalled when Smith was sacked by Towson's Will Middleton, placing the Bears in a precarious 3rd-and-15 situation from the 50-yard line.
A final timeout with 1:37 remaining couldn't spark a comeback as Smith's subsequent passes fell incomplete, ultimately handing possession to Towson on downs. With the clock ticking down, Towson comfortably ran out the remaining seconds, sealing their victory and extinguishing Morgan's last hope for a comeback.
Bear Notes
▪️Towson earned 346 yards of total offense to Morgan's 249.
▪️Morgan recorded two turnovers (one interception and a fumble recovery).
▪️Morgan had an extra point blocked and a field goal blocked.
▪️For the second season in a row, Morgan's defense shutout the Tigers in the second half.
▪️Morgan had 9 penalties for 58 yards, while Towson had 6 flags for 70 yards.
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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.
