In frustrating fashion, the Morgan State Bears football fell to the Towson Tigers 20-10 at home Saturday evening at Hughes Stadium.
After a heartbreaking loss to Akron last weekend on a game-losing fumble, the Bears returned home ready to take on the Tigers in “The Battle for Greater Baltimore” before a nearly sold out crowd of 9,867.
However, after a scoreless first half and three intercepted throws, the Bears own a 1-2 record and are ranked third in the MEAC behind North Carolina Central University and Howard University.
In the first half of the Baltimore showdown, the Tigers dominated both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, leading at halftime with a score of 20-10.
Tigers quarterback Nathan Kent had plenty of time to make plays throwing the ball. He looked comfortable in the pocket and barely had any pressure from the Bears’ defense. Kent finished the game 18 for 34 with 168 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Tigers’ run game compiled over 180 yards, led by running backs Tyr Greene Jr. and D’Ago Hunter who combined for 115 yards on 22 carries.
It was different on the Bears’ side. The team started Duce Taylor at quarterback, who finished the game 9 for 24 with 96 passing yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions. They also were out rushed by the Tigers 184-97.
Taylor took a big hit early in the second quarter that sent him to the sideline. The Bears would substitute Taylor for sophomore Dominique Anthony to finish the drive.
Taylor later returned to the game on the Bears’ next drive, but on the very first play, he threw his second interception of the day, moving the Tigers into field goal range where they earned another three points.
The Bears’ defense gave up 20 points in the first half. However, they again made positive second-half adjustments, holding the Tigers scoreless in the second half. Defensive back Jae’Veyon Morton got one interception and defensive back Jordan Toles blocked a field goal attempt.
Linebacker Erick Hunter led the defense with nine total tackles with the help of defensive lineman Nana Asante and linebacker Sam Alsheimer, who had 12 total tackles combined. The Bears’ defense and special teams dominated in the second half, not allowing any points for the third-straight week.
The Bears move forward with a litany of issues to fix on both offense and defense. Coach Damon Wilson and his staff will now ask this team to find the discipline it entered the season with against Richmond.
Morgan State will play the University at Albany next Saturday at Hughes Stadium.
