Bears and Spartans battle for first MEAC win

The Morgan State Bears (3-7, 0-3 MEAC) are set to face the Norfolk State Spartans (1-9, 0-3 MEAC) on Saturday in a conference matchup where both teams are still hunting for their first MEAC win of the season.

“One hundred percent communication — that’s probably the biggest thing this week, because the ability is there, the talent is there,” graduate defensive lineman Blanche Gold said.

The Bears enter the week with momentum from individual accolades. For the third straight week, a Morgan State player has earned the MEAC Rookie of the Week honor. This time, redshirt freshman Randall Nauden took home the award — his third of the season.

Freshman wide receiver Justin Perry said the team’s confidence continues to grow despite recent close losses.

“Our confidence comes from preparation and trust. Every week we focus on details — film study, practice reps and communication,” Perry said. “So by the time we hit game day, we’re ready to hit the field 100%.”

Both teams suffered narrow losses last weekend. Norfolk State fell 31-28 to North Carolina Central, while Morgan State dropped a 14-12 heartbreaker to Delaware State.

In the matchup against Delaware State, the Bears held the Hornets scoreless in the second half. But a missed field goal in the final seconds secured the defeat.

“I feel like the defense has been on an incline, but we haven’t been getting the end results that we want,” Gold said. “It just shows how great we can be in the game against Delaware.”

Earlier this month against South Carolina State, the Bears played from behind for most of the afternoon. Although the defense tightened after halftime and allowed only eight points in the second half, the offense struggled to extend drives in the third quarter.

“As an offense, we just have to step up and hold the ball longer so the defense is not getting put in that position, so it can be a winnable game,” Perry said.

Morgan State also played a thriller against Howard, trading scores throughout the game and pushing the matchup into overtime. The Bears had possession first but missed a field goal. Howard answered quickly with a touchdown to win 33-27.

“Communication will always be something you can never have too much of on the defensive side,” Gold said. “Even if you are at 70% awareness or even 80%, you are not at 100%, and there will be slight hesitation in your role.”

The Bears will face the Spartans on Saturday, Nov. 15, at William “Dick” Price Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

“This should be a winnable game. We have a young team, a young offensive unit,” Perry said. “We’re feeling really good about this game right here.”