GAME TIME
Morgan State (3-5, 2-3 MEAC) continues the 2012 season play in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup against No. 24 Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at Hughes Stadium.  The Wildcats enter the 2012 season under the leadership of third-year head coach Brian Jenkins. The Wildcats (6-2, 5-0) are coming off a 42-17 win against North Carolina Central.  The Bears fell short in the final moments against Delaware State 28-23 at Hughes Stadium.

THE BEARS-WILDCATS MATCHUP 
• The Bears and Wildcats will meet for the 28th time since 1986. Bethune-Cookman leads the series 18-8.

•  Nov. 5, 2011 – Isidore Jackson rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown, and Jackie Wilson ran for three touchdowns as Bethune-Cookman eased past Morgan State 49-23 before a Homecoming crowd of 9,649 at Municipal Stadium. Wilson finished 10-of-15 for 186 yards for the Wildcats who finished the ballgame with seven rushing touchdowns. Travis Davidson had a 44-yard rushing touchdown and rushed for a game-high 133 yards on 17 carries to lead Morgan State.

• The last time the Wildcats played in Hughes Stadium was on Oct. 2, 2010 … A dominating 69-32 victory over Morgan State extended the Wildcats’ record to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the MEAC. MSU finished the game by committing eight turnovers, four by air (interceptions) and four by ground (fumbles). MSU, held to 247 yards total offense, got touchdowns from Tyrone Hendrix on a 93-yard kickoff return and Nico Scott on a 44-yard interception return and trailed 42-26 at halftime.

QUICK HITS
• Travis Davidson currently ranks 2nd in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing with 794 yards (113.4 avg/g). He also ranks No. 1 the MEAC in scoring (72 Pts).

•  QB Robert Council started against Delaware State and completed 13-of-19 passes for 68 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a  41-yard touchdown run.

•  Cornerback Joe Rankin registered his 9th interception of his career, picking off Savannah State quarterback Antonio Bostic in the 1st quarter…He currently leads the MEAC in INTs with four in eight games…he also ranks No. 3 in passes defended (10), while his freshman teammate DaShaun Summers leads the league with 1.33 average passes defended.

• The MSU defense has collected 10 interceptions (ranked No. 3 in MEAC) through the first eight games of 2012.

•  The Bears continue to be among the top scoring offenses in the league, entering Saturday’s contest as the MEAC’s No. 4 ranked scoring offense (24.9 avg/g).

•  True freshman LB Elandon Roberts currently ranks No. 2 in the MEAC in tackles by posting 76 tackles so far this season. … he recorded a season-high 16 tackles against Delaware State on Oct. 25.

•  Four of the Bears’ losses have been by a total of 10 points – an average of 2.5 points per game.

WILDCATS THUMBNAIL
• The Wildcats enter Week 9 coming off a 42-17 dominant performance against N.C. Central to move into sole possession of first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The win improved the Wildcats to 6-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play.

• In 2011, Bethune-Cookman finished with a 8-3 overall record and 6-2 in the MEAC.

• Bethune’s dual QB threat of Quentin Williams and Brodrick Waters continue to wreak havoc for defenses this season. Williams, a 6-foot, 190-pounder from Tampa (Fla.) has completed 49 of 83 for 655 yards and six touchdowns with an interception. He currenlty ranks No. 2 in pass efficiency (146.8 and No. 8 in passing average (109.2/g). Waters, a 5-11, 195-pounder from Sarasota (Fla.) ranbks No 8 in pass efficiency having completed 26 of 54 passes for 258 yards and four TDs.

• Bethune-Cookman maintained its status as the national leader in turnover margin with its +2.25 per game total.

• Through the first eight games, RB Isidore Jackson (5-10, 205) has been the leading rusher in the Wildcats’ high-octane offense. The junior from Mossey Head (Fla.) has recorded 126 carries for 707 yards (5.6 avg), including seven TDs.  He rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns against N.C. Central last Saturday.

• MSU’s offense will have to account for the Wildcat’s linebacker Jarkevis Fields. The junior currently ranks among the league leaders with 63 tackles (ranks 12th), to go along with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

• The Bears’ defensive unit will face a Wildcats line that leads the league in rushing by averaging 235.1 per contest.

• Through eight games, the Bethune-Cookman defense ranks 3rd in the MEAC in scoring defense by limiting opponents to 19.9 points per contest and ranks 3rd in total defense (317.8/g).

JUICE UPDATE
• Travis Davidson needs to gain 107 rushing yards to surpass Craig Nelson at No. 9 on the school’s all-time rushing list. “Juice” currently has 1,537 career rushing yards.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK
•  The Bears rushing for 100 yards or more for the ninth consecutive game and for the 15th straight time since their October 8, 2011 game versus Savannah State.

•  The Bears having a 300-yard passing game for the first time since October 8, 2011. In Week 6, Morgan State defeated Savannah State 44-17 and Seth Higgins, Nate Furrha and Robert Council combined for 16-of-26 passes for 318 yards and five TDs.

•  Cornerback Joe Rankin registering an interception would mark his fifth of the season and the 10th of his career.  He would need to collect six more to surpass Joe Fowlkes for the school record.  Fowlkes posted 15 INTs during his career (1975-78).

•  Running back Travis Davidson rushing for 100 yards or more for the eighth time in his career.

SENIOR DAY
Twenty-one (21) Morgan State seniors will be honored before the start of Saturday’s game.

NOVEMBER CHILL
The Bears are 10-18 in November games since the start of the 2002 season and 3-8 at home that month.

NEXT UP
After Saturday’s contest versus Bethune-Cookman, the Bears will hit the road to play against the Spartans of Norfolk State.

GAME TIME
Morgan State (3-4, 2-2 MEAC) continues the 2012 season play in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup against Delaware State on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hughes Stadium.  The Hornets enter the 2012 season under the leadership of second-year head coach Kermit Blount. The Hornets (4-2, 3-1) are coming off a 24-0 shutout win at North Carolina A&T.  The Bears fell short in the final moments at Howard 21-20 in Greene Stadium.  This week’s game will be broadcast to a national audience by ESPNU.

THE BEARS-HORNETS MATCHUP 
• The Bears and Bison will meet for the 55th time since 1945. Morgan leads the series 31-23.

• Morgan State did what they had to do on a dreary, windy and rain-soaked day for the Hornet’s Homecoming. They protected a slim lead, played solid defense and ran the ball. Tracy Martin ran for a game-high 154 yards on 38 carries and scored the only points of the game, helping the Bears grind out a 12-0 victory over Delaware State. The Bears played smash-mouth football throughout most of the ballgame and simply dominated the time of possession  (39:53 – 20:07) — recording their first shutout since October 7, 2006.

• The last time the Hornets were in Hughes Stadium was on Oct. 23, 2010 … Redshirt freshman QB Delonte Williams led Morgan State on a comeback drive with under a minute remaining in the game. Williams had three interceptions – two of them returned for touchdowns – and was sacked three times. But he also led the Bears on an 8-play, 85 yard drive and threw a 34 yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Hendrix with 20 seconds on the clock. Sheldon Jacques added a two yard fumble return for a touchdown as the Bears came away with a climatic 34-24 win over the Hornets on Saturday at Hughes Stadium before an announced Homecoming crowd of 14,312 fans.

• The last time Morgan State lost to the Hornets was on Oct. 24, 2009 at Alumni Stadium … Delaware State posted 35 points against MSU, who entered the game as the No. 1 scoring defense in the MEAC, limiting teams to an average of 14 points per game. Anthony Glaud threw two touchdown passes in his return to the lineup and the Hornets intercepted three passes, one returned for a touchdown in a 35-22 victory on Saturday afternoon during DSU’s Homecoming. The loss snapped the Bears’ 5-game winning streak, the school’s longest in 30 years.

• MSU head coach Donald Hill-Eley holds a 6-4 record against Delaware State since 2002.

QUICK HITS
• Travis Davidson currently leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing with 723 yards (103.3 avg/g). He also ranks No. 1 the MEAC in scoring (72 Pts).

•  QB Robert Council came off the bench against Howard and completed 11-of-20 passes for 131 yards and broke a  35-yard touchdown run.

•  Cornerback Joe Rankin registered his 9th interception of his career, picking off Savannah State quarterback Antonio Bostic in the 1st quarter…He currently leads the MEAC in INTs with four in six games…he currently ranks No. 5 in the FCS in passes defended (6 breakups and 4 INTs).

• The MSU defense has collected 10 interceptions (No. 2 in the MEAC) through the first seven games of 2012.

•  The Bears continue to be among the top scoring offenses in the league, entering Saturday’s contest as the MEAC’s No. 4 ranked scoring offense (25.1 avg/g).

•  True freshman LB Elandon Roberts currently ranks No. 6 in the MEAC in tackles by posting 60 tackles so far this season … he recorded a season-high 14 tackles against N.C A&T and was named Rookie of the Week.

•  Earvin Gonzalez currently ranks No. 1 in the MEAC and tied for No. 9 in the FCS by connecting on 10-of-15 field goals and is a perfect 20-of-20 on PATs and booted a career-high 47-yard field goal against N.C. Central.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK 
• The Bears posting its third straight victory against the Hornets.

• The Bears scoring 20 or more points against Delaware State for the fifth consecutive game.

• The Bears having a 300-yard passing game for the first time since October 8, 2011. In Week 6, Morgan State defeated Savannah State 44-17 and Seth Higgins, Nate Furrha and Robert Council combined for 16-of-26 passes for 318 yards and five TDs.

• Cornerback Joe Rankin registering an interception would mark his fifth of the season and the 10th of his career. He would need to collect six more to surpass Joe Fowlkes for the school record. Fowlkes posted 15 INTs during his career (1975-78).

• Running back Travis Davidson rushing for 100 yards or more for the eighth time in his career.

• The Bears recording their 11th interception.

• Wide receiver Andrew King registering the third touchdown of his career.

• QB Robert Council has not thrown an interception since a win versus Howard on Sept. 24, 2011 … He completed 12 of 18 passes and was picked off by DL Corey Berry. He’s thrown 110 passes without an interception.

JUICE UPDATE
As a result of his 104-yard performance at Howard, Travis Davidson currently has 1,455 yards and has moved past James Fields for the No. 11 spot on the school’s all-time rushing list. He needs 56 more yards to surpass TJ Stallings (1,510 yds) for the No. 10 spot.

MSU vs. DELAWARE STATE FLASHBACK
• Oct. 25, 2003 – Morgan State head coach Donald Hill-Eley and the Bears defeated the Delaware State 53-36 in a game played at Hughes Stadium. The Bears finished the season with a 6-5 record and won four of its last five games.

DELAWARE STATE THUMBNAILS 
• In 2011, Delaware State finished with a 2-8 overall record and were 1-7 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

•  Senior QB Nick Elko leads the Hornets on offense this season. The 6-2, 210-pounder from Odenton (Md.) is the league’s leading passer (ranks No. 22 in FCS). He has completed 146 of 239 for 1,548 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions. He has also ranks No. 5 in pass efficiency (122.6).

• Travis Tarpley and Justin Wilson are the primary threats in Delaware State’s aerial attack.  Tarpley, a 5-7 senior from Danville (Va.), currently leads the league with 48 receptions for 585 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile Wilson, a 6-1, 175 pound senior from Windsor (Conn.) also ranks among the league leaders with 32 receptions for 390 yards and three TDs.

• Through the first seven games, RB Dae-Hon Cheung (5-10, 165) has been the  leading rusher in the Hornets’ pass happy offense. The  freshman from Coatesville (Pa.) has recorded 52 carries for 251 yards (4.7 avg), including a pair of TDs.  He posted 43 yards on 16 carries against North Carolina A&T last Saturday.

• MSU’s offense will have to account for the Hornet’s defensive back Jermond Colston. Colston currently ranks among the league leaders with 64 tackles (ranks T-4th), 2.0 tackles for loss and two interceptions.

• The Bears’ defensive front will face a Hornets line that’s surrendered 3 sacks during its current 3-game winning streak. Nick Elko was sacked once in a 24-0 win over North Carolina A&T on Oct. 20, but the veteran quarterback threw for 245 yards and a TD. Delaware State ranks T-3^rd in the MEAC by limiting opponents to 13 sacks in seven games played.

• Through seven games, the Delaware State defense ranks 2nd in the MEAC in scoring defense by limiting opponents to 18.4 points per contest.

MARYLAND AND DELAWARE TIES
• Senior center Jerry Evans is the only Bear on the Morgan State roster who’s from Delaware. The 6-2, 300-pounder was raised in New Castle and was an All-State lineman at Hodgson Vocational Tech.

WICKED TIMES IN OCTOBER
The Bears are 26-19 in the month of October since the 2002 season and have won 4 of their last 6 October games. The Bears are 12-10 at home and 12-11 on the road during that time in October.

NEXT UP
After Thurday’s contest versus Delaware State, the Bears will play at home against the top-ranked Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. The matchup is set for Saturday, November 3. Kickoff at 1 p.m.

GAME TIME
Morgan State (3-3, 2-1 MEAC) continues the 2012 season play in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup against Howard on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at Greene Stadium. The game will mark Homecoming for Howard.  The Bison enter the 2012 season under the leadership of second-year head coach Gary “The Flea” Harrell. The Bison (4-2, 3-1) are coming off a disappointing 38-10 loss at North Carolina A&T.  The Bears fell in the last seconds to  North Carolina Central 24-20 in Hughes Stadium.

THE BEARS-BISON MATCHUP 
• The Bears and Bison will meet for the 66th time since 1931. Morgan leads the series 40-24-1.
•  Morgan State posted a 14-9 win against Howard last year at the New York Urban League Football Classic in front of 24,996 fans in attendance… redshirt-freshmanRobert Council threw the first touchdown of his career when he connected with tight end Kristian Johnson for a 3-yard score.  Council led the Bears by completing 12 of 18 passes for 119 yards.
• The last time the Bears were in Greene Stadium was on Oct. 18, 2008 … RB Devan James rushed for a career-high 219 yards and scored two touchdowns, including one in overtime to help Morgan State beat Howard 31-30 in double-overtime, handing a Howard Homecoming loss before 6,843 fans at Greene Stadium.

QUICK HITS
• Travis Davidson currently leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing with 619 yards (103.2 avg/g). He also ranks No. 1 the MEAC in scoring (60 Pts).
•  QB Robert Council, making his second career start, completed 8-of-18 passes for 91 yards and was sacked three times against North Carolina Central.
•  Cornerback Joe Rankin registered his 9th interception of his career, picking off Savannah State quarterback Antonio Bostic in the 1st quarter…He currently leads the MEAC in INTs with four in six games…he also leads the league in passes defended (10).
• The MSU defense has collected 10 interceptions (FCS T-8th) through the first six games of 2012.
•  The Bears continue to be among the top scoring offenses in the league, entering Saturday’s contest as the MEAC’s No. 3 ranked scoring offense (26.0 avg/g).
•  True freshman LB Elandon Roberts currently ranks No. 7 in the MEAC in tackles by posting 53 tackles so far this season … he recorded a season-high 14 tackles against N.C A&T and was named Rookie of the Week.
•  Redshirt sophomore DE Chris Robinson posted seven tackles and two sacks vs. N.C. Central … he currently leads the MEAC with five sacks (5).
•  Travis Davidson currently has 1,351 yards and sits 101 yards away from surpassing James Fields at No. 10 on the school’s all-time rushing list.
•  Earvin Gonzalez currently ranks No. 1 in the MEAC by connecting on 10-of-14 field goals and is a perfect 18-of-18 on PATs and booted a career-high 47-yard field goal against N.C. Central.

HOWARD THUMBNAILS
• Howard ranks among the nation’s top black college football teams The Bison currently rank No. 8 in the Heritage Top 10 Poll, No. 9 in the BoxToRow HBCU Media Top 10 Poll and No. 9 in the Sheridan Poll.
• In 2011, Howard finished with a 5-6 overall record and 4-4 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
• Sophomore QB Greg McGee leads the Bison on offense this season. The 6-3, 200-pounder from Pittsburgh (Pa.) has completed 37 of 70 for 386 yards and a touchdown with four interceptions. He has also rushed for 127 yards on 35 carries (3.6 avg) with two touchdowns.
• Through the first six games, RB Aquanius Freeman (5-10, 213) has been the Bison’s leading ground gainer and is among the league’s rushing leaders (Ranked 7th). The sophomore from New Orleans, La. has recorded 57 carries for 370 yards (6.5 avg), including 5 TDs.  He was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Week following a a career-high 212 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns to lead Howard to a 56-9 victory over Savannah State.
• MSU’s offense will have to account for the Bison’s All-American linebacker Keith Pough. Pough currently ranks among the league leaders with 49 tackles (ranks 3rd), 8.5 tackles for loss (ranked 2nd) and 3.5 sacks (T-7th).
• Through six games, the Howard defense has allowed 145.0 rushing yards per game, which ranks 5th in the MEAC. The Bison also rank 3rd in sacks (17) and 5th in total defense (359.2).

NEXT UP
After Saturday’s contest versus Howard, the Bears will play at home against the Delaware State Hornets. The matchup is set for Thursday, October 25 and will be televised by ESPNU. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

GAME TIME
Morgan State (3-2, 2-0 MEAC) continues the 2012 season play in a battle of undefeated teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference when they matchup against North Carolina Central on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at Hughes Stadium. The game will mark Homecoming for Morgan State and it will be the Bears first home contest since its home-opener on Sept. 1 against Sacred Heart.  The Eagles enter the 2012 season under the leadership of second-year head coach Henry Frazier III. The Eagles (3-2, 2-0) are coming off an impressive 40-10 win versus South Carolina State.  The Bears rolled Savannah State 45-6 in T.A. Stadium.  The game will be broadcast live by WEAA, 88.9 FM.

THE BEARS-EAGLES MATCHUP 
• The Bears and Eagles will meet for the 37th time in history. Morgan leads the series 22-12-2.
•  The Bears opened up with 42 first half points en route to a 52-3 rout at North Carolina Central last season… Travis Davidson led the Bears with142 yards on 25 carries and scored three touchdowns on runs of 49, 2 and 8 yards.
• The last time the Eagles were in Hughes Stadium was on Sept. 14, 2008 during MSU’s Homecoming…Bear RB Devan James rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown and MSU collected a school record six interceptions, en route to a 49-7 win over N.C. Central.

QUICK HITS
• Morgan State extended to a 7-0 winning streak against Savannah State, and it marked the fifth consecutive time the Bears have posted 40 or more points against the Tigers.
• Travis Davidson currently leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing with 514 yards (102.8 avg/g). He also ranks No. 1 the MEAC in scoring (48 Pts).
•  QB Robert Council, made his first career start at Savannah State and completed 6-of-10 passes for 71 yards and rushed for 23 yards for Morgan State (3-2, 2-0), which hasn’t gotten off to a start this good in conference play since 2009.
•  Cornerback Joe Rankin registered his 9th interception of his career, picking off Savannah State quarterback Antonio Bostic in the 1st quarter…He’s currently tied for first place in the nation (FCS) in INTs with four in five games.
• The MSU defense has collected seven (9) interceptions (FCS T-10th) through the first five games of 2012.
•  The Bears continue to be among the top scoring offenses in the league, entering Saturday’s contest as the MEAC’s No. 4 ranked scoring offense (27.2 avg/g).
• Chris Flowers was acknowledged for his individual performance against Savannah State on Oct. 6. Flowers was named the National Kickoff Returner of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) … the redshirt junior scored on an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
• Morgan State currently leads the league in kick returns (ranked No. 11 in the FCS) by averaging 25.7 yards per return.
•  For the second time this season, MAU placekicker/punter Earvin Gonzalez has been named MEAC Special Teams Player of the Week, which was announced Monday … Gonzalez connected on 6-of-6 point after attempts, and averaged 41.6 punting yards, including a 59-yarder with two inside the 20 in the Bears’ win Saturday over Savannah State.
•  True freshman LB Elandon Roberts currently ranks No. 8 in the MEAC in tackles by posting 45 tackles so far this season … he recorded a season-high 14 tackles against N.C A&T and was named Rookie of the Week.

JUICE UPDATE
Senior RB Travis “Juice” Davidson returns as one of the top running backs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The senior led the Bears by accounting for 125 rushing yards and three TDs against Savannah State on Oct. 6. The Redford (Mich.) product has 15 TDs in his Blue & Orange career and will continue to be one to watch.

N.C. CENTRAL THUMBNAILS
• North Carolina Central University forced five turnovers that resulted in 24 points during a 40-10 victory over South Carolina State University in the 29th annual Circle City Classic inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
• The win improved the Eagles to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
• Junior QB Jordan Reid leads the Eagles’ offensive attack. Reid ranks No. 4 in the MEAC in pass efficiency (125.5 effic.), No. 7 in passing average (123.0/g) and No. 9 in total offense (130.6/g).
• Geovonie Irvine is a bonafide threat as long as he’s on the field. The senior wideout currently ranks No. 7 in all-purpose yards and is the Eagles’ second leading receiver with eight catches for 132 yards, including two touchdowns. He has also leads the team’s special teams unit by averaging 25.3 record three punt returns for 45 yards and a touchdown
• Through the first five games, RB Andre Clarke (5-10, 213) has been the Eagles leading ground gainer. The redshirt sophomore from Mauldin, S.C. has recorded 48 carries for 305 yards (5.8 avg), including 7 TDs (Ranked 2nd in MEAC in scoring TDs).
• Through five games, the NCCU defense has allowed just 110.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks first in the MEAC and 12th among the FCS statistical leaders. The Eagles also rank T-11th in the FCS in tackles for loss with an average of 7.6 per contest.

BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State (2-2, 1-0 MEAC) continues Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play with a matchup at Savannah State on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET at Theodore A. Wright Stadium. The game will mark the fourth consecutive road contest for the Bears.

The Tigers enter the 2012 season under the leadership of second-year head coach Steve Davenport. The Tigers (0-4, 0-2) are coming off a 56-9 loss at Howard.  The Bears stunned N.C. A&T with a  21-18 win in a game that was televised live by ESPNU.

THE BEARS-TIGERS MATCHUP 
• The Bears and Tigers will meet for the 7th time in history. Morgan State leads the series 6-0 since 2000.
• Savannah State fell 44-17 at Hughes Stadium during Morgan State’s Homecoming last season. Morgan State’s Seth Higgins completed 14-of-24 passes for 239 yards and tossed four touchdowns, while backup redshirt-freshman quarterback Robert Council took his first pass of the day and delivered a 52-yard touchdown strike to tight end Lamont Bryant.
• Last year’s game also marked the first time Donald Hill-Eley coached from the pressbox.

QUICK HITS
• Morgan State’s win at N.C. A&T snapped a 2-game losing streak and the Bears racked up 373 yards of total offense, including 251 passing yards.
• Travis Davidson currently leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing with 389 yards (97.2 avg/g). He also ranks No. 5 the MEAC in scoring (30 Pts/G).
•  QBs Seth Higgins and Robert Council have combined for 1,262 passing yards (99-of-159) and four touchdowns.
•  Cornerback Joe Rankin registered his 8th interception of his career, picking off N.C. A&T quarterback Lewis Kindle in the 2nd quarter…The pick gives him sole possession of first place in the MEAC in INTs with three in four games.
• The MSU defense has collected seven (7) interceptions (FCS T-12th) through the first four games of 2012.
•  The Bears continue to be among the top scoring offenses in the league, entering Saturday’s contest as the MEAC’s No. 5 ranked scoring offense (22.8 avg/g).
•  True freshman LB Elandon Roberts recorded a season-high 14 tackles and a tackle for a loss against N.C A&T…he was recently named MEAC Rookie of the Week.
•  Redshirt freshman DL Damarco Bisbee posted five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack at N.C. A&T.
•  Punter Earvin Gonzalez registered his longest punt of his career, covering 65 yards.
•  Tight end Kristian Johnson had four receptions for 91 yards last week against N.C. A&T, including a 34-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. It marked the first touchdown of his career.
•  Wide receiver Andrew King caught a career-long 32-yard pass from Robert Council in the final seconds to help the Bears pullout a 21-18 victory at N.C. A&T…King finished the night with three receptions for 55 yards.

A WIN WOULD …
… improve the Bears to 3-2 this season.

… make the Bears 3-2 for the first time during the Donald Hill-Eley era.

… be the Bears second road win of the season, and mark its first back-to-back road wins since beating North Carolina Central  on Oct. 15, 2011 and Delaware State on October 24, 2011.

… improve Coach Hill’s record against Savannah State to 4-0 since 2003, and 2-0 at Theodore Wright Stadium.

SAVANNAH STATE THUMBNAILS
• The Tigers have employed the services of both Antonio Bostick and Victorian Hardison at the quarterback position. Bostick has completed 33-of-89 passes for 451 yards with two touchdowns, while Hardison has thrown for 137 yards on 12-of-26 passes with a touchdown.  So far this season, Bostick holds a 4-to-2 margin with Hardison in games played.
• Through the first four games, Simon Heyward has been the Tigers go-to receiver on offense.  The Savannah product has recorded 14 catches for 267 yards (19.1 avg), including 2 TDs.

GAME TIME
The Bears (1-1) are set for the second of four consecutive road tests when they travel west to face the Akron Zips on Saturday (Sept. 15). The Zips enter the 2012 season under the leadership of first-year head coach Terry Bowden. Akron (0-2) is coming off a 41-38 overtime loss at FIU.  Morgan State fell 56-34 at Buffalo in a game that was decided in UB Stadium. Game time at InfoCision Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast by ESPN3.

THE BEARS-ZIPS MATCHUP 
• The Bears and Zips will meet for the second time in history. Akron leads the series1-0 following a 41-0 shutout victory of the Bears on Sept. 12, 2009 during the grand opening of InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field.

QUICK HITS
• Morgan State will enter the 2012 season with plenty of veterans … the Bears’ roster includes 22 seniors.
•  Seth Higgins returns as the Bears starting QB … He completed 97-of-186 passes for 1,116 yards, including 9 TDs as a true freshman. He was sacked three times before being replaced in the 2nd quarter by backup QB Robert Council.
• Morgan State returns three of its top rushers from last season: Travis Davidson (792 yards), Tracy Martin (317 yards) and Brian Mann (101 yards).
• Travis Davidson currently leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing and ranks No. 8 in the FCS with 243 yards (121.5 avg/g). He also leads the MEAC in scoring (12 Pts/G).
•  Robert Council checked into the ballgame against Buffalo toward the end of the first quarter and provided a spark for the Bears … Council completed 12-of-16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 23 yards.
•  Kenneth Ridley emerged as a shutdown cornerback in 2011 and ranked T-No. 2 in the MEAC with four interceptions…he collected his first pick of the season vs. Sacred Heart in Week 1.
•  RB Brian Mann posted a career-high 74 yards on 17 carries and posted a 5 yard TD run in the 3rd quarter at Buffalo.
•  DE Richard Ndubueze was selected to the 2012 Preseason All-MEAC First Team … he has missed the first two games due in unspecified issues.
•  Chris Flowers leads the MEAC in kick returns and currently ranks No. 4 in the country by averaging 33.8 yards per return.
•  LB Elandon Roberts recorded his first career interception and added 7 tackles and was selected MEAC Rookie of the Week by the league.
•  Statistically, the Bears posted a season-high 366 yards of total offense (78 plays) against Buffalo, while the Bulls finished with 571 yards on just 56 plays.

AKRON THUMBNAILS
•  Jawon Chisholm broke the program’s freshman rushing record with 961 yards and five touchdowns last season. He finished the 2011 campaign with 84 yards receiving and added one passing touchdown in four passing attempts. He enters the season as an All-MAC candidate.

• Through two games, the UA defense has recorded five sacks (three against FIU last Saturday), which ties for fourth most in the league. The Zips recorded 11 sacks over 12 total games in 2011.

NEXT UP:
Morgan State will travel to take on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T on Sept. 29th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm. at Aggies Stadium and the game will be televised by ESPNU.

GAME TIME
The Bears (1-0, 0-0) will begin the first of four consecutive road tests when they travel north to face Buffalo Bulls on Saturday (Sept. 8). The Bulls, a member of the BCS, enter the 2012 season under the leadership of second-year head coach Jeff Quinn. Buffalo is coming off a 45-23 loss at Georgia and will be hosting the Bears for a home-opener at UB Stadium.  Morgan State pulled out a 30-27 victory against Sacred Heart in a game that was decided after four overtimes last Saturday in Hughes Stadium. Game time at UB Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.

THE BEARS-BULLS MATCHUP
• The Bears and Bulls will meet for the third time in history. The series is tied 1-1.

QUICK HITS
• Morgan State will enter the 2012 season with plenty of veterans … the Bears’ roster includes 22 seniors.
•  Seth Higgins returns as the Bears starting QB … He completed 97-of-186 passes for 1,116 yards, including 9 TDs as a true freshman. He threw for 153 yards (14-of-31, INT) in the season-opener vs. Sacred Heart.
• Morgan State returns three of its top rushers from last season: Travis Davidson (792 yards), Tracy Martin (317 yards) and Brian Mann (101 yards).
• Travis Davidson had a 70-yard touchdown run and led the Bears with 107 yards and two touchdowns against Sacred Heart (9/1).
•  MSU wideout Andrew Mitchell led the Bears with five catches for 61 yards against Sacred Heart in his first career start.
•  Kenneth Ridley emerged as a shutdown cornerback in 2011 and ranked T-No. 2 in the MEAC with four interceptions…he collected his first pick of the season vs. Sacred Heart in Week 1.
•  LB Elandon Roberts posted a game-high 11 tackles to go along with two tackles for loss in his first collegiate start as a true freshman last Saturday.
•  DE Richard Ndubueze was selected to the 2012 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.
•  Against Sacred Heart, junior blur Chris Flowers had three kickoff returns for 93 yards, including a 42-yarder in the first quarter…he also had 4 rec. for 40 yards.
•  Statistically, the Bears posted 323 yards of total offense (74 plays) against Sacred Heart, while the Pioneers finished with 441 yards on 98 plays.

BUFFALO THUMBNAILS
•  Branden Oliver (Miami, Fla.) will lead the Buffalo ground attack this fall. The 5-8, 202-pound junior posted 111 yards on 30 carries and scored a touchdown versus Georgia. He was named to three preseason watch lists: The Walter Camp, Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award. He was the only MAC player to make all three lists.

• Alex Neutz returns as the Bulls top target on offense. He led the team with four touchdowns, 641 receiving yards, including three games with over 100 yards last season. Neutz led the Bulls with five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown against Georgia.

NEXT UP:
Morgan State will travel to take on the Akron Zips on Sept. 15th. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm. at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field.

GAME TIME
The Bears (0-0, 0-0) will host Sacred Heart in the season opener on Saturday (Sept. 1) at Hughes Stadium. The Pioneers enter the 2012 season under the leadership of interim head coach Mark Nofri. The Pioneers completed the 2011 season with a 5-6 overall record and a 3-6 mark in the Northeast Conference.  Morgan State posted a 5-6 record last season and was 4-4 in MEAC play. Donald Hill-Eley, ranked third among winning coaches at MSU, enters his second decade as head coach of the Bears.  Game time at Hughes Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m.

THE BEARS-PIONEERS MATCHUP
• The Bears and Pioneers will meet for the first time in history.

SEASON OPENERS
• The Bears have lost three of their last four season openers, including five of its last seven.
• MSU is 4-6 under head coach Donald Hill-Eley in season-openers.
• The Bears last season opener victory was during a 14-7 win against Bowie State on Sept. 4, 2010 at Hughes Stadium.

QUICK HITS
• Morgan State will enter the 2012 season with plenty of veterans … the Bears’ roster includes 22 seniors.
•  Seth Higgins returns as the Bears starting QB … He completed 97-of-186 passes for 1,116 yards, including 9 TDs as a true freshman.
• Morgan State returns three of its top rushers from last season: Travis Davidson (792 yards), Tracy Martin (317 yards) and Brian Mann (101 yards).
• Travis Davidson had a 49-yard rushing touchdown and led the Bears with 74 yards on seven carries against Norfolk State.
•  MSU wideout Tyrone Hendrix collected a season-high 371 yards on 19 catches, including three touchdowns in 2011.
•  Kenneth Ridley emerged as a shutdown cornerback last season and ranked T-No. 2 in the MEAC with four interceptions.
•  LB Allen Stephens posted a team-high 80 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
•  DE Richard Ndubueze was selected to the 2012 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.

SACRED HEART THUMBNAILS
• The Pioneers finished the 2011 season with a 5-6 overall record and went 3-5 in the Northeastern Conference.
• The Pioneers played with a lot of question marks at the quarterback position last season, but will enter the 2012 season with Tim Little as the unquestionable starter. Little (6-4, 215, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) threw for 2,200 yards while completing 57.9% (206-356) of his passes. Little helped lead the NEC’s top-passing offense (237.8 ypg).
• Sacred Heart has led the NEC in throwing the ball for the last three-straight seasons.
• Defensively, the Pioneers are led by Niko Sierra. Sierra is a two-year starter at outside linebacker and finished with 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and led the Pioneers with four interceptions, five pass breakups, a forced fumble and a sack last season.

TASTY SHIRT GIVEAWAY
One of our favorite local streetwear brands, UNIVERSITY OF TASTE, has stepped up to the plate to partner with us to help start the 2012 Morgan State football season off right. On this Saturday’s football season-opener against Sacred Heart, we’ll be giving away brand spankin’ new t-shirts to the first 200, courtesy of UNIVERSITY OF TASTE.

NEXT UP
After Saturday’s contest the Bears’ next three games will be on the road. MSU will travel to face Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 8^th, followed by road matchups at Akron (Sept. 15) and North Carolina A&T (Sept. 27).