Morgan State 28, Bethune-Cookman 14

September 30, 2006

BALTIMORE, Md.--Morgan State failed to receive the memo about Bethune-Cookman being ranked as the No. 4 scoring team in the nation (37.8/g).

Morgan State's (2-3, 1-1) defense kept the Wildcats explosive offense in check and off the scoreboard for three quarters. The Bears defensive unit forced three turnovers, recorded six sacks, and held the "Wyattbone" to just 90 rushing yards.

MSU quarterback Mario Melton rushed for a game-high 106 yards, including a 70-yard TD run to help the Bears come away with a 28-14 upset victory over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday night at Hughes Stadium.

The teams held each other scoreless in the first quarter as both defenses came up with drive-killing turnovers. Melton was picked-off by Michael Williams, and MSU linebacker Darius Leak recovered a fumble by wideout Coyla Dailey.

Morgan State's offense lit the scoreboard up for 21 points in the second quarter. Melton connected with Rodrick Wolfe for a 61 yard touchdown. The extra point by Jonathan Skeete gave MSU a 7-0 lead with 12:32 remaining in the half. 

The Wildcats' (3-2, 2-1) ensuing possession ended in disaster when Eric Weems had the ball knocked out by MSU defensive back Everett Baker, and Bryan Wilson pounced on it at the Morgan 47.

The Bears ended up scoring 16 seconds later as Craig Nelson made the most of his limited play when he bolted 53 yards for a score. MSU wrapped up the first half scoring when Melton took a quarterback draw 70 yards to increase the Bears lead to 21-0 at the break.  

The Bears finished with a season-high 380 yards and Melton completed 10-of-16 passes for 133 yards.

The Bears were looking for their first shutout since a 7-0 victory over Howard in 2005, but Bethune-Cookman put together an 11-play, 80 yard drive capped by a 3-yard TD run by Justin Brannon to give the 'Cats their first score of the game with 9:06 remaining.

Jimmie Russell completed a 13-yard TD pass to Eric Weems with 1:57 remaining to trim the Bears' lead to 21-14.

Bethune-Cookman's ensuing onside kick attempt failed, and two plays later Chad Simpson took a handoff 32 yards to paydirt to ice the game and give the Bears their biggest win of the season.

Morgan State's win marked its largest margin of victory against Bethune-Cookman in the history of the matchup.

The defense played one of its best games of the season and was led by defensive end Terrell Floyd and safety Everett Baker. Floyd finished with a game-high nine tackles, including three sacks and a fuble recovery.  Baker added eight tackles, forced a fumble and had a tackle for loss.

Russell, who was inserted at quarterback when Jarod Rucker left with a wrist injury early in the 1st quarter, finished the game by throwing for 270 yard on 23-of-35 passes. His favorite target, Victor Johnson, had eight receptions for a game-high 102 yards.

Morgan State will travel to Greensboro, NC to face North Carolina A&T during the Aggies¡¯ Homecoming festivities next Saturday (Oct. 7). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.