MSU Bears host Homecoming against rival Howard U on Saturday

MSU Sports Information

MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (3-3, 2-1 MEAC)
HOWARD “BISON” (2-3, 0-2 MEAC)
GAME #7 – Morgan State Homecoming
Saturday, October 13, 2007 • 1:00 p.m.
Hughes Stadium (Capacity 10,000) • Baltimore, Md.
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM: Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com; www.howard-bison.com
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Morgan State held off North Carolina A&T in the end 22-17 at Hughes Stadium. The Bears were once again led by All-MEAC RB Chad Simpson who posted a game-best 181 yards on 33 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown dash late in the 4th quarter to help the Bears notch the victory. QBs Byron Selby and Mario Melton combined for 13-of-23 passes for 130 yards. MSU’s defensive unit held the Aggies to 138 rushing yards and was led by LB Jarrel Guyton who recorded a team-high 10 tackles. MSU will attempt to extend its winning streak to three against Howard when the teams hit the gridiron Saturday for the “Battle of the Beltway” matchup.

• Howard is coming off a 41-14 blowout victory against non-confernece foe Cheney University. The Bison put up 439 yards of total offense and held Cheney’s ground attack to 76 yards. Howard QB Brian Johnson led the Bison by accounting for three touchdowns (2 passing & 1 running), while RB Terry Perry finished with 18 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, DB Randall Means collected a team-high 11 tackles (2 solo) and Endor Cooper finished with 8 tackles and a fumble recovery. With the win the Bison improved to 2-3 overall and will enter Saturday afternoon’s contest seeking their first conference win of the season (0-2 MEAC). Saturday’s contest will mark the 70th meeting between Morgan State and Howard.

• Carey Bailey is entering his first season as Head Football Coach at Howard. Bailey, a Morgantown, W.V. native, has 15 years of coaching experience and a proven track record, especially in recruiting and leading winning teams. His most recent position as the University of Minnesota’s defensive line coach, exemplifies his expertise as the Gophers led the nation in turnover margin (+1.33 per game). That figure represents the highest turnover margin of any Big Ten school since 1998 and the first for Minnesota since 1989.

• The Bison have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Brian Johnson (Sr./6-0/190/Gardenia, Calif./LA Southwest CC) has completed 85-of-139 passes for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns and ranks 3rd in the MEAC in passing. Johnson connected on 12-of-19 passes and threw two touchdowns and an interception during Howard’s 41-14 blowout victory last Saturday against Cheney University ... he also ran for 68 yards and a touchdown and was sacked twice.

• 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 274 yards behind Lloyd McCleave (1975-78) who ranks #5 in the Bears rushing annals. Simpson has been selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week twice, most recently after gaining 181 yards on 33 carries against North Carolina A&T last Saturday.