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@MorganStBearsGAME TIME
Morgan State (2-5, 1-2) returns to the gridiron when they face Florida A&M (5-2, 4-0). The match-up will kick off in Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. and will be televised live by ESPN3 and broadcast by WEAA, 88.9 FM.
The Bears enter the 2018 season under the leadership of interim head coach Ernest T. Jones. Florida A&M completed the 2017 season with a 3-8 overall mark and went 2-6 in the MEAC. The Rattlers will enter the contest fresh off of a bye week.
GAME COVERAGE
TELEVISION: ESPN3
RADIO: WEAA, 88.9 FM is the flagship station for the Morgan State Bears ... Lamont Germany will call the play-by-play with Renard Stubbs and Austin Ward in the booth. The game will be broadcast live on 88.9 FM and streamed on WEAA.org.
LIVE STATS: Click HereSOCIAL NETWORKS
Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears and @MorganStateFootball. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.
TICKETS
Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all five home games, including homecoming start at only $95. Premium seats are now available for purchase by calling 443.885.1522 or visiting MSU Student Center Athletics Ticket Office during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or visit morganstatebears.com/tickets.
THE SERIES
• Saturday's matchup marks the 29th meeting between the two schools.
• The Rattlers lead the overall series 21-7 since 1943.
• Florida A&M posted a 34-31 victory in the last meeting in Baltimore in 2017.
• The Bears fell 22-21 in their last visit to Bragg Memorial Stadium on Nov. 19, 2016.
THE COACHES
• Morgan State - Ernest T. Jones (Alcorn State, '95) joined the Bears as the Defensive Coordinator in 2016 and was previously a JUCO head coach at ASA Miami (2015 - 8-2 record); he has also worked at Connecticut, Notre Dame, Univ. of Buffalo, Cincinnati, Alcorn State, Central Michigan, Oberlin, Kentucky State and Concordia. CAREER RECORD (12-17, 2 yrs); RECORD AT MSU (2-5, 1st yr).
• Saturday's matchup marks the 29th meeting between the two schools.
• The Rattlers lead the overall series 21-7 since 1943.
• Florida A&M posted a 34-31 victory in the last meeting in Baltimore in 2017.
• The Bears fell 22-21 in their last visit to Bragg Memorial Stadium on Nov. 19, 2016.
THE COACHES
• Morgan State - Ernest T. Jones (Alcorn State, '95) joined the Bears as the Defensive Coordinator in 2016 and was previously a JUCO head coach at ASA Miami (2015 - 8-2 record); he has also worked at Connecticut, Notre Dame, Univ. of Buffalo, Cincinnati, Alcorn State, Central Michigan, Oberlin, Kentucky State and Concordia. CAREER RECORD (12-17, 2 yrs); RECORD AT MSU (2-5, 1st yr).
• Florida A&M - Willie Simmons (Clemson, '02) enters his first season at the helm for the Rattlers. He left Prairie View A&M after coaching three seasons, where he went a combined 21-11. He also had an impressive three-year stint as the offensive coordinator at Alcorn State, winning the 2014 SWAC and SBN Black College National Championships. RECORD AT FLORIDA A&M (5-2, 1st yr), CAREER RECORD (26-13, 4th yrs).
QUICK HITS
• Junior DeAndre Harris, a 6-4, 210-pound quarterback from Washington (Ga.) has connected on 74 of 143 passes for 889 yards, including five TDs. He has also had 88 carries for 309 yards with three TDs.
• The Bears recorded a season-high 229 yards on the ground against UAlbany and had 226 vs. Howard.
• Against Howard, junior RB Josh Chase finished with a season-high 115 yards on 20 carries, including a 22-yard TD run.
• Senior LB Damare' Whitaker ranks second in the MEAC with 60 total tackles (42 solo).
• LB Rico Kennedy, the team's leading tackler in 2017 with 70 stops, in addition to 19.5 tackles for loss (No. 3 in the FCS), has posted 41 tackles, a team-high 7 TFLs, with 2.5 sacks and 4 QB hurries through 7 games.
• MSU's defense leads the MEAC in turnovers gained with 15 (12 interceptions, 5 fumbles).
• The Bears defense held #4 NCAT to 1 of 12 in 3rd down conversions.
• Ernest T. Jones' Bears are predicted to finish 9th in the MEAC's 2018 Preseason Order of Finish.
LAST TIME vs. FLORIDA A&M - OCT. 28, 2017
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Morgan State sophomore quarterback DeAndre Harris took over the reigns late in the second quarter after head coach Fred T. Farrier decided to pull starter Elijah Staley.
• Harris tossed a pair touchdown passes before halftime and added a 3-yard TD scamper that would have been the game clinching score, however Florida A&M answered on a 12-yard touchdown pass with under 6 minutes left to escape with a 34-31 victory at Hughes Stadium.
• Florida A&M (3-6, 2-4) overcame some early miscues – including three turnovers in the first half – to get their second conference win of the season.
• Morgan State (1-7, 1-4) and FAMU made it an interesting game as both teams exchanged scores throughout the day, but key penalties and a late fourth quarter interception from redshirt sophomore Terry Jefferson sealed the Bears defeat.
• Harris completed 9 of 19 passes for 149 yards and tossed two TD passes to redshirt senior Amonta Poteat. Poteat led the Bears receiving corps with seven catches for 99 yards.
A WIN WOULD ...
...give Ernest T. Jones his second win as MSU's head coach and his 13th career win.
... mark the Bears' first win against Florida A&M since a 21-7 win on Nov. 14, 2015 in Baltimore.
... mark the Bears' first win against Florida A&M in Tallahassee since a 24-9 victory on Oct. 4, 2014.
... mark MSU's second road conference win of the season.
... trim the Rattler's all-time series record lead to 21-8 since 1943.
... mark the Bears third road win of the season - matching the most road wins to start a season since 2011.
...give Ernest T. Jones his second win as MSU's head coach and his 13th career win.
... mark the Bears' first win against Florida A&M since a 21-7 win on Nov. 14, 2015 in Baltimore.
... mark the Bears' first win against Florida A&M in Tallahassee since a 24-9 victory on Oct. 4, 2014.
... mark MSU's second road conference win of the season.
... trim the Rattler's all-time series record lead to 21-8 since 1943.
... mark the Bears third road win of the season - matching the most road wins to start a season since 2011.
A GLANCE AT THE RATTLERS
• Florida A&M finished 2017 with an overall mark of 3-8 and went 2-6 in conference play. The Rattlers finished 0-3 in MEAC home contests.
• FAMU enters Saturday's contest coming off of a bye week. The Rattlers currently rank No. 1 atop the BoxToRow Coaches Poll and Media Poll with a 5-2 overall record and are unblemished in the MEAC at 4-0.
• Head coach Willie Simmons' (Clemson, 2002) offense ranks No. 2 in the league averaging 368.1 yards of total offense (143.6 rushing; 224.6 passing). They have scored 10 rushing TDs and 10 passing. The Rattlers average 27 points per contest.
• FAMU's offense is led by r-junior QB Ryan Stanley. The 6-3, 210-pound Pembroke Pines (Fla.) product has completed 122-of-202 passes (60.4%) for 1,545 yards (Ranks No. 3), with 10 TDs and 6 INTs.
• R-Sophomore RB Bishop Bonnett is averaging 8.0 yards per carry with 3 TDs. The 6-1, 205 pound senior has 343 yards on 43 carries, while Deshawn Smith has 57 carries for 304 yards and a TD.
• R-sophomore wideout Chad Hunter (6-0, 180) and r-freshman Xavier Smith (5-10, 165) are two of the league's top receivers. Hunter has 32 catches for 446 yards (63.7 avg/g) and 5 TDS, while Smith has 26 catches for 340 yards (42.5 avg/g) and 2 TDs.
• FAMU is allowing 337.9 yards of total offense (rushing 116.3; passing 221.6). The Rattlers have also forced 9 turnovers (7 INTs; 2 FR). Opponents are averaging 5.2 yards per play. The Rattlers have recorded 45 tackles for loss.
• FAMU's D is led by sophomore linebacker Derrik Mayweather (Ft. Worth, Texas) and senior outside linebacker Antonio MIller. Mayweather, (6-0, 240) ranks No. 11 in the league with 44 tackles, while Miller (6-1, 205) ranks T-No.32 with 34 stops to go along with 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks and a pair of interceptions.
• Florida A&M finished 2017 with an overall mark of 3-8 and went 2-6 in conference play. The Rattlers finished 0-3 in MEAC home contests.
• FAMU enters Saturday's contest coming off of a bye week. The Rattlers currently rank No. 1 atop the BoxToRow Coaches Poll and Media Poll with a 5-2 overall record and are unblemished in the MEAC at 4-0.
• Head coach Willie Simmons' (Clemson, 2002) offense ranks No. 2 in the league averaging 368.1 yards of total offense (143.6 rushing; 224.6 passing). They have scored 10 rushing TDs and 10 passing. The Rattlers average 27 points per contest.
• FAMU's offense is led by r-junior QB Ryan Stanley. The 6-3, 210-pound Pembroke Pines (Fla.) product has completed 122-of-202 passes (60.4%) for 1,545 yards (Ranks No. 3), with 10 TDs and 6 INTs.
• R-Sophomore RB Bishop Bonnett is averaging 8.0 yards per carry with 3 TDs. The 6-1, 205 pound senior has 343 yards on 43 carries, while Deshawn Smith has 57 carries for 304 yards and a TD.
• R-sophomore wideout Chad Hunter (6-0, 180) and r-freshman Xavier Smith (5-10, 165) are two of the league's top receivers. Hunter has 32 catches for 446 yards (63.7 avg/g) and 5 TDS, while Smith has 26 catches for 340 yards (42.5 avg/g) and 2 TDs.
• FAMU is allowing 337.9 yards of total offense (rushing 116.3; passing 221.6). The Rattlers have also forced 9 turnovers (7 INTs; 2 FR). Opponents are averaging 5.2 yards per play. The Rattlers have recorded 45 tackles for loss.
• FAMU's D is led by sophomore linebacker Derrik Mayweather (Ft. Worth, Texas) and senior outside linebacker Antonio MIller. Mayweather, (6-0, 240) ranks No. 11 in the league with 44 tackles, while Miller (6-1, 205) ranks T-No.32 with 34 stops to go along with 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks and a pair of interceptions.
NOTABLE NATIONAL NOTES
Here are a few 2018 FCS national statistics of note on offense, defense and special teams that pertained to the Bears:
• Senior LB Damare' Whitaker ranks T-No. 16 nationally in solo tackles (35).
• Sophomore CB Donte Small ranks T-No. 6 nationally in interceptions per game (0.6; 4 ints) and
No. 3 in passes defended (13).
• Senior DL Ayodeji Agbelese ranks T-No. 7 nationally in fumble recoveries (2).
• Junior LB Ian McBorrough ranks T-No. 32 nationally in sacks (5).
• Freshman DE Colby Warrior ranks T-No. 6 nationally in blocked kicks (2).
• MSU ranks T-No. 8 nationally in turnovers gained (18) and T-No. 4 in passes intercepted (12).
• The Bears rank No. 12 nationally in 3rd down conversion defense (.295).
• The Bears rank No. 16 nationally in passing efficiency defense (105.06).
• The Bears rank T-No. 15 nationally in defensive TDs (2).
• MSU ranks No. 36 nationally in total defense (364.3).
Here are a few 2018 FCS national statistics of note on offense, defense and special teams that pertained to the Bears:
• Senior LB Damare' Whitaker ranks T-No. 16 nationally in solo tackles (35).
• Sophomore CB Donte Small ranks T-No. 6 nationally in interceptions per game (0.6; 4 ints) and
No. 3 in passes defended (13).
• Senior DL Ayodeji Agbelese ranks T-No. 7 nationally in fumble recoveries (2).
• Junior LB Ian McBorrough ranks T-No. 32 nationally in sacks (5).
• Freshman DE Colby Warrior ranks T-No. 6 nationally in blocked kicks (2).
• MSU ranks T-No. 8 nationally in turnovers gained (18) and T-No. 4 in passes intercepted (12).
• The Bears rank No. 12 nationally in 3rd down conversion defense (.295).
• The Bears rank No. 16 nationally in passing efficiency defense (105.06).
• The Bears rank T-No. 15 nationally in defensive TDs (2).
• MSU ranks No. 36 nationally in total defense (364.3).
PRESEASON PICKED 9TH
Morgan State was picked to finish ninth (9th) to MEAC defending champion and Preseason #1 North Carolina A&T and #2 Howard.
PRESEASON ALL-MEAC PLAYERS
Seven (7) Morgan State football players were named to the 2018 MEAC preseason team, which was voted on by the conference head coaches and sports information directors. Senior defensive lineman Malachi Washington and junior linebacker Rico Kennedy were first-team selections. Senior offensive linemen Joshua Miles and Matthew Thompson were third-team picks, along with junior wideout Manasseh Bailey, junior linebacker Ian McBorrough, and senior defensive back Carl Garnes. The seven preseason All-MEAC performers are part of a group of 37 lettermen and 16 starters returning for the 2018 Morgan State football season.
BEARS OPEN 120th SEASON OF FOOTBALL SINCE 1898
MSU enters its 120th season of football and will open the 2018 campaign under interim head coach Ernest T. Jones, set to enter his first year at the helm and his third year at Morgan State.
RETURN MEN
The 2018 Morgan State Bears return 37 letterwinners, including 16 starters - 7 on offense, 8 on defense and 1 on special teams.
CAMPAIGNING FOR SUCCESS
The Bears enter the 2018 season looking to post their first winning season since going 6-5 in 2009. MSU's 7-6 record in 2014 was vacated.
NON-CONFERENCE PLAY
The Bears will open the 2018 campaign against four non-conference opponents. MSU opens the season against Towson (Sept. 1) in the 'Battle for Greater Baltimore', followed by road trips versus Akron (Sept. 9), Univ. at Albany (Sept. 15) and the N.C. A&T (Sept. 22) game will also be recorded as a non-conference contest.
BEARS OPEN 41st SEASON IN MEAC
The Bears will open its 41st season in the MEAC when they host South Carolina State for Homecoming on Oct. 6.
• The Bears opened the 2017 MEAC schedule with a 49-17 loss against #15 N.C. A&T at Hughes Stadium.
• The Bears kicked off its first season in the MEAC in 1971. Morgan State withdrew from the conference at the end of the 1979-80 fiscal year, before returning to the MEAC in 1984.
EDWARD SCOTT NAMED TO FCS ADA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Division I Football Subdivision Athletics Directors Association announced that Morgan State's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Edward Scott will serve on its Executive Committee. Scott represents the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE CLASSROOM
The Morgan State football team has had great success in the classroom.
• Most recently, the Bears produced a 3.24 GPA during Summer 2018.
• The 2017-18 school year saw the Bears achieve their highest single-year GPA in program history.
• The program had 31 Athletic Director Honor Roll Members in the Fall of 2017, a 41% increase from the previous Fall.
MSU LEGEND EDDIE P. HURT NAMED TO 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOT
76 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks make-up the 2019 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Morgan State head coach Eddie P. Hurt is among the list of nominees.
• Hurt led Morgan's football teams to six Black College National Championships and won 14 CIAA titles.
• Eleven of his squads executed undefeated seasons, including a non-losing string of games from 1932 to 1938.
• His 1943 team did not allow a score from a single opponent.
FOLLOW US IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
Morgan State was picked to finish ninth (9th) to MEAC defending champion and Preseason #1 North Carolina A&T and #2 Howard.
PRESEASON ALL-MEAC PLAYERS
Seven (7) Morgan State football players were named to the 2018 MEAC preseason team, which was voted on by the conference head coaches and sports information directors. Senior defensive lineman Malachi Washington and junior linebacker Rico Kennedy were first-team selections. Senior offensive linemen Joshua Miles and Matthew Thompson were third-team picks, along with junior wideout Manasseh Bailey, junior linebacker Ian McBorrough, and senior defensive back Carl Garnes. The seven preseason All-MEAC performers are part of a group of 37 lettermen and 16 starters returning for the 2018 Morgan State football season.
BEARS OPEN 120th SEASON OF FOOTBALL SINCE 1898
MSU enters its 120th season of football and will open the 2018 campaign under interim head coach Ernest T. Jones, set to enter his first year at the helm and his third year at Morgan State.
RETURN MEN
The 2018 Morgan State Bears return 37 letterwinners, including 16 starters - 7 on offense, 8 on defense and 1 on special teams.
CAMPAIGNING FOR SUCCESS
The Bears enter the 2018 season looking to post their first winning season since going 6-5 in 2009. MSU's 7-6 record in 2014 was vacated.
NON-CONFERENCE PLAY
The Bears will open the 2018 campaign against four non-conference opponents. MSU opens the season against Towson (Sept. 1) in the 'Battle for Greater Baltimore', followed by road trips versus Akron (Sept. 9), Univ. at Albany (Sept. 15) and the N.C. A&T (Sept. 22) game will also be recorded as a non-conference contest.
BEARS OPEN 41st SEASON IN MEAC
The Bears will open its 41st season in the MEAC when they host South Carolina State for Homecoming on Oct. 6.
• The Bears opened the 2017 MEAC schedule with a 49-17 loss against #15 N.C. A&T at Hughes Stadium.
• The Bears kicked off its first season in the MEAC in 1971. Morgan State withdrew from the conference at the end of the 1979-80 fiscal year, before returning to the MEAC in 1984.
EDWARD SCOTT NAMED TO FCS ADA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Division I Football Subdivision Athletics Directors Association announced that Morgan State's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Edward Scott will serve on its Executive Committee. Scott represents the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE CLASSROOM
The Morgan State football team has had great success in the classroom.
• Most recently, the Bears produced a 3.24 GPA during Summer 2018.
• The 2017-18 school year saw the Bears achieve their highest single-year GPA in program history.
• The program had 31 Athletic Director Honor Roll Members in the Fall of 2017, a 41% increase from the previous Fall.
MSU LEGEND EDDIE P. HURT NAMED TO 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOT
76 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks make-up the 2019 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Morgan State head coach Eddie P. Hurt is among the list of nominees.
• Hurt led Morgan's football teams to six Black College National Championships and won 14 CIAA titles.
• Eleven of his squads executed undefeated seasons, including a non-losing string of games from 1932 to 1938.
• His 1943 team did not allow a score from a single opponent.
FOLLOW US IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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