DOVER, Del. (Nov. 7, 2026) – The Morgan State football team battled throughout Saturday afternoon's contest against Delaware State, but the Bears came up short in the end, suffering a 24-14 loss to the Hornets on a brisk, windy afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
Morgan State (5-5, 0-3 MEAC) had opportunities to stay within striking distance, but Delaware State (6-4, 2-1 MEAC) used a fourth-quarter defensive touchdown to create separation and secure the victory.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Delaware State broke through midway through the second quarter, putting together a 16-play, 76-yard scoring drive that consumed 7:42. Marqui Adams capped the possession with a two-yard touchdown run at the 5:38 mark to give the Hornets a 7-0 advantage.
The Bears responded just before halftime. Morgan State put together an eight-play, 36-yard drive, with quarterback
Cameron Edge powering his way into the end zone on a one-yard touchdown run with 50 seconds remaining in the half.
Gavin Fetty added the extra point to send the teams into the break tied at 7-7.
Delaware State regained the lead in the third quarter. Adams connected with Kyree Benton for a 30-yard touchdown pass at the 8:03 mark, capping a seven-play, 59-yard drive to put the Hornets ahead 14-7.
The Hornets extended their advantage to 17-7 with a 25-yard field goal from Maatteo Bracalenti with 2:03 remaining in the third quarter.
Morgan State continued to fight back and delivered a momentum-changing play early in the fourth quarter.
Facing fourth-and-13 from its own 45-yard line, Delaware State sent out punter and backup quarterback Noah Brannock, whose kick traveled just five yards.
Marquez Spells fielded the errant punt and electrified the Bears with a 60-yard return for a touchdown at the 9:06 mark. Fetty's extra point pulled Morgan State within three, 17-14, giving the Bears renewed life.
The Bears' defense came up with another big play on Delaware State's ensuing possession. Facing third-and-17 near midfield, Hornets quarterback Marqui Adams was stripped by linebacker
Darius Jones.
Joshua Narh scooped up the loose ball and raced 28 yards down the sideline before being tackled at the Delaware State 24-yard line, giving Morgan State an opportunity to take the lead.
With 7:09 remaining, the Bears took over at the Delaware State 24-yard line and looked to capitalize on the momentum. However, a holding penalty pushed Morgan State back, and the Bears were unable to overcome the ensuing yardage setback. After an incomplete pass on third down, Edge's fourth-down attempt intended for
Joseph Towler was broken up by Geovanny Fabian, resulting in a turnover on downs.
The Bears had one more opportunity with just over two minutes remaining, taking possession at their own 32-yard line. Edge's pass intended for Quavel Thorton was intercepted by Phillip Dunnam, who returned it 38 yards for a touchdown to seal the Hornets' 24-14 victory.
Despite the late setback, the Bears showed resilience, responding to Delaware State's second-half scores and making a push behind Spells' special teams touchdown. Ultimately, the Hornets' defensive play in the closing minutes proved to be the difference.
Edge finished the game 19-of-31 passing for 136 yards. He was sacked twice and faced consistent pressure throughout the contest.
Keith Jenkins Jr. led the Morgan State ground game with 55 yards on 15 carries, while wide receiver
Joseph Towler finished with a team-high 89 receiving yards on seven catches.
Veteran linebacker
Arturo Mattocks led the Bears' defensive unit with a game-high 10 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
Mike Hastie added eight tackles and two tackles for loss.
The loss drops Morgan State to 5-5 overall and 0-3 in MEAC play. The Bears will look to regroup as they continue their conference schedule, attempting to snap a four-game losing streak while pursuing their first winning season since 2014.
Morgan State returns to action Saturday, Nov. 14, when the Bears host Norfolk State (4-6, 0-3 MEAC). Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Hughes Stadium as Morgan State celebrates Military and First Responder Appreciation, Senior Day, and AD Honor Roll recognition.
FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit
www.morganstatebears.com, the official website of Bear athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios, and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified
high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master's degree, doctorate, and certificate programs. 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.
