MSU Bears face #15 Delaware State in a showdown for first place in the MEAC

Photo: Head Football Coach Donald Hill-Eley

MSU Sports Information

The Bears travel to Dover to square-off with Delaware State during the Hornets' Homecoming on Saturday.

MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (4-3, 2-1 MEAC)
#15 DELAWARE STATE “HORNETS” (5-1, 4-0 MEAC)
GAME #8
Saturday, October 20, 2007 • 3:30 p.m.
Alumni Stadium (Capacity 6,828) • Dover, Del.
TELEVISION: Will be televised live regionally on the Comcast Network, CN8
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM:
Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com; www.dsuhornets.com
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Devan James ran for 19 of his team-high 73 yards in overtime to help setup a 23-yard game-winning field goal by James Meade as the Bears held off Howard 36-33 Saturday at Hughes Stadium before a record crowd of 14,987. MSU QB was Byron Selby was productive and completed 11-of-20 passes for 216 yards. MSU’s defensive unit held Howard air attack to 103 yards and was led by LB Lamar West who recorded a team-high 9 tackles. MSU will attempt to extend its winning streak to four when they face the Hornets for a battle for 1st place in the MEAC.



• #15 Delaware State is coming off a bye week and the last time they were on the gridiron was when they pitched a 27-0 shutout against N.C. A&T in Greensboro (NC). The Hornets, who are currently tied with Norfolk State for first place in the MEAC standings, were outgained by the Aggies 182 to 156 in total offense. Hornet RB Chris Strothers led DSU’s ground game by rushing for 63 yard, while QB Vashon Winton completed 3-of-9 for 31 yards and ran for a 1 yard touchdown. Defensively, DB Akeem Green scored on an 86-yard interception return and on special teams Brandon Hudson took the opening kick-off back for an 84-yard touchdown. With the win the Hornets improved to 5-1 overall and will enter Saturday’s Homecoming contest with a 4-0 conference record and will attempt to extend their winning streak to four games. Saturday’s contest will mark the 50th meeting between Morgan State and Delaware State since 1945.

• The Hornets have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Vashon Winton (Jr./6-2/195/Chicago, IL/Simeon HS) has completed 53-of-89 passes for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranks 4th in the MEAC in passing. Winton connected on 3-of-9 passes and ran for a touchdown during DSU’s 27-0 victory against N.C. A&T.

• The Hornets have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Vashon Winton (Jr./6-2/195/Chicago, IL/Simeon HS) has completed 53-of-89 passes for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranks 4th in the MEAC in passing. Winton connected on 3-of-9 passes and ran for a touchdown during DSU’s 27-0 victory against N.C. A&T.

• 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 1,774 yards following a game-high 181 yards versus North Carolina A&T ... he now sits 259 yards behind Lloyd McCleave (1975-78) who ranks #5 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.

• LAST TIME vs. THE HORNETS - (Oct. 14, 2006) Morgan State’s Homecoming matchup with Delaware State was riddled with Bear mistakes. The Hornets capitalized on fumbles and two blocked punts as they pulled out a 29-7 victory in front of 13,557 fans.