MSU Bears at BC-U Homecoming on Saturday

Photo: All-MEAC RB Chad Simpson ran over Hampton for 142 yards on 33 carries last week.

Morgan State University Sports Information

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Bears travel to Daytona Beach to take on Bethune-Cookman during the Wildcats Homecoming on Saturday

MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (1-3, 0-2 MEAC)
BETHUNE-COOKMAN “WILDCATS” (2-2, 0-2 MEAC)
GAME #5
Saturday, September 29, 2007 • 4:00 p.m.
Municipal Stadium (Capacity 10,000) • Daytona Beach, Fla.
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM:
Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com; www.BCCathletics.com/
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Morgan State fell in dramatic fashion last Thursday night at Hampton. T.J. Mitchell threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Justin Brown to clinch a thrilling 24-17 overtime victory against the Bears. The Bears were once again led by All-MEAC RB Chad Simpson who posted a game-best 142 yards on 33 carries and scored two touchdowns. MSU’s offensive unit racked up 438 total yards, 270 on the ground. MSU will look to get back in the win column when they take on Bethune-Cookman.

• Bethune-Cookman is coming off a disappointing 38-31 loss at Norfolk State. The Wilcats had two critical tunovers to help Norfolk State walk off the field with the Fish Bowl Classic victory. Bethune-Cookman QB Jimmie Russell led the Cats by completing 8-of-15 passes for 86 yards with a touchdown, and rushing for 100 yards with a TD. Defensively, Ben Ballard collected a team-high eight tackles (7 solo), while Anotnio Cox finished with three tackles and a 42 yard interception return. With the loss the Wildcats dropped to 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the MEAC. Saturday night’s contest will mark the 22nd meeting between Morgan State and Bethune-Cookman.

• QB Jimmie Russell (Sr./5-9/175/Jonesboro, Ga./Rivedale HS)will be one to watch as the Wildcats prepare for Morgan State this Saturday at Municipal Stadium. Russell is ranked 5th in the MECA in total offense having completed 30-of-61 passes for 358 yards and rushing for 336 yards. Russell has accounted for eight touchdowns so far this season ... he was named MVP of the Fish Bowl as a result of throwing for 86 yards and running for 100 yards in a tough 38-31 loss at Norfolk State last Saturday night.

• The Bears defensive unit will attempt to contain running backs Justin Brannon (Sr./5-10/190/Jacksonville,Fla./Mandarin HS) and Brian Sumlar (Fr./5-11/180/Jacksonville,Fla./Orange Park HS) The duo has combined for 299 yards on 61 carries through four games... Brannon rushed for 54 yards (4.8) and Sumlar had 52 yards (4.3) and scored a touchdown in last week’s loss to the Spartans...Brannon ranks 10th in the MEAC with 177 yards on 33 carries game.

• SEE CHAD RUN … INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS - Chad Simpson entered the Towson game just needing 63 yards to reach 1,000 yards in his Morgan State career…he ended up rushing for 195 yards! The All-MEAC running back rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opener vs. Savannah State and has increased his career total to 1,495 yards following a game-high 142 yards against #12 Hampton ... he now sits 16 yards behind T.J. Stallings (1999-02) who ranked #7 in the Bears rushing annals. As a result of his career-high 221 yard output against the Winston-Salem State Rams in Week 3, Simpson was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Photo: MSU Defense controlled MEAC Champs Hampton University for four quarters to give the Bears an opportunity to win in overtime.