Morgan State football returns home for a pivotal week 10 matchup against the Norfolk State Spartans tomorrow Saturday Nov. 2.
The Bears, on a two-game losing streak, are looking to feed off their home crowd in this game after dropping their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game last week on the road in a tight 16-7 game against North Carolina Central.
“We understand the importance of this game,” Morgan’s head coach Damon Wilson said. “The guys had a great week of practice, so I’m excited about coming home to the fans and playing our first conference game here”.
The Spartans have leaned on leading rusher junior Kevon King throughout this season with 596 yards, he ranks third in rushing yards in the MEAC.
Junior defensive lineman Chibuikem Oguayo believes his unit will be key in stopping the Spartan’s rush attack as the ground game has been what opposing teams have used to attack Morgan’s defense.
“We emphasize that the d-line sets the tone with our point of attack, setting the edges, and reading our keys. I feel like we’re going to start the game hitting, and that’s how we end off the game as well,” Oguayo said.
Although being one of the better-rushing teams in the conference, the Spartans’ passing offense struggles to generate the same success.The Spartan’s air attack averaging 133.9 passing yards per game and a 55.4 completion percentage is the lowest in the MEAC in each category.
“Get your neck rolls on and tape your fingers up. It’s going to be one of those physical type games, so I’m glad it’s at home,” Wilson said.
The past two matchups have been what turned the tide of Morgan’s season for the past two years as last year the Bears dropped 22 unanswered points under the emergence of sophomore quarterback Tahj Smith. In 2022 a touchdown with five seconds left on the game clock saw the Spartans spoiling Morgan’s homecoming.
The Bear’s defense continues to be a forceful unit, ranking first in the MEAC defensively allowing just 17.5 points and 285.6 yards per game.
“It’s impossible to be perfect, but when you chase perfection you can reach greatness and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Oguayo said.
The Spartans secondary has been among the best on the defensive side when it comes to taking the ball away, leading the MEAC in total interceptions with 11.
The Bears’ passing offense led by redshirt junior quarterback Duce Taylor features the most efficient vertical attack in the conference. Their 65.1 completion percentage ranks first in the MEAC.
Taylor and Smith are still splitting time as Smith was sidelined with injury again after being back in the starting role against North Carolina Central.
Running the ball has also been a point of emphasis for Morgan’s offense as they are tied for second in the MEAC in attempts, while being last in the MEAC in passing attempts.
“We want to get the ball to our playmakers and let those guys do what they do best,” said Taylor. “We want to dominate the details when it comes to every play and make sure we’re executing every detail.”
