Post by Bornthrilla on Oct 27, 2008 15:20:50 GMT -5
BEARS BEAT DELAWARE STATE BEHIND STINGY DEFENSE, 20-3
MSU Sports Information
BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State extended to a three-game winning streak with a convincing win by knocking off Delaware State 20-3 for its first victory over the Hornets in three years. It also marked the second time this season the Bears defense has limited a team to a single field goal.
Devan James, who gained 219 yards a week earlier in the Bears double-overtime upset of Howard, finished the night with 103 yards and two touchdowns on a rain-drenched Homecoming Saturday at Hughes Stadium.
“Rain, wind and defense helps win these kinds of games,” said MSU head coach Donald Hill-Eley.
The Bears outplayed the Hornets, picking up 200 yards on offense compared to Delaware State’s season-low 118 yards.
“We went out and played like a unit,” said Hill-Eley. “We didn’t turn the ball over; we’ve been averaging two and three turnovers a week. The guys kept the ball from the other team and created some turnovers for ourselves.”
“Special teams didn’t have any breakdowns, so I’m just real pleased with how we played altogether.”
James, who posted his sixth 100-plus yard rushing performance in eight games, has collected 978 yards (122.2 avg) for the season, and is ranked No. 11 in school history with 1,424 career rushing yards (tied with Andre Thomas – 1992-93).
Carlton Jackson, who returned to the starting quarterback position for the first time since Oct. 11th versus North Carolina A&T, completed 5-of-12 passes for 50 yards. He wasn’t very productive, but he didn’t need to be. The junior made good decisions and committed zero turnovers.
“He came back this week and did the things that we needed him to do,” said Hill-Eley. “His focus was better and it’s great for a good athlete to get back in there.”
Delaware State (3-4,3-2 MEAC) scored on their opening drive as they went 40 yards on nine plays before being held to a Riley Flickinger 35-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
MSU’s defense helped setup the Bears first score of the contest when junior linebacker Troy Leftwich picked-off Hornet quarterback Vashon Winton to give the offense a start deep in DSU territory. Three plays and just over a minute later, James rushed through the middle of the defense for a 2 yard score to give the Bears a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
MSU scored again in the final seconds of the first half when James Meade booted in a 27-yard field goal to give the Bears a 10-3 lead at the break.
The Bears, who entered the contest ranked No. 2 in the FCS in total defense (230.8/g), only allowed the Hornets to cross the 50-yard line once in the first half, and twice the entire game.
Meade scored early in the fourth quarter when he connected on his second 27-yard field goal of the night to lift the Bears to a 13-3 advantage with 13:30 left to go.
James capped a five play, 33 yard drive when he plowed in from five yards away for his second touchdown and eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the night.
Hornet standout quarterback Winton was held to a pedestrian 1-of-6 passing for 14 yards and two interceptions, while backup Anthony Glaud completed 4-of-9 for 17 yards and was intercepted by Darren McKhan.
Jarrell Guyton led Bears defensive attack with seven tackles (5 solo) and a forced fumble, while Leftwich, McKhan and Jodie Ellis each had interceptions.
