WEEK 9 SCHEDULE
Here’s a look inside this week’s matchups…
Howard Bison (3-4, 0-0 MEAC) at Norfolk State Spartans (2-6, 0-1 MEAC)
Saturday, October 26 | William ‘Dick’ Price Stadium | Norfolk, VA | 2:00 PM
Howard enters Saturday’s matchup following a disappointing homecoming loss to Tennessee State, 27-14. Despite the setback, the Bison have found success running the ball this season ranking second in the MEAC with 163.3 ypg rushing. RB Jarett Hunter led the offense against Tennessee State with 102 rushing yards in his second 100+ yard performance of the season. Hunter ranks third in the MEAC in rushing yards per game with 78.7. DB Kenny Gallop Jr. remains atop the MEAC in tackles averaging a 9.1 per game. Norfolk State enters Saturday’s contest refreshed following a bye week after dropping their last contest 28-23 to Towson. The Spartans look to snap a three-game losing skid during homecoming, which NSU has not won since 2021. The last two results came down to one possession scores with four one-score games this season. Norfolk State’s run game has been one of the best in the MEAC ranking third overall (160.4 avg.) with three games over 200+ rushing yards. Kevon King ranks fourth behind Hunter in rushing yards (74.0 ypg) with six rushing TDs. Howard leads the all-time series 20-9 including a 27-23 win over Norfolk State last season in Washington, DC.
Delaware State Hornets (1-6, 0-0 MEAC) at South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-2, 0-0 MEAC)
Saturday, October 26 | Oliver C. Dawson Stadium | Orangeburg, SC | 3:30 PM
South Carolina State enters the matchup on a three-game win streak after picking up a dominating 30-3 victory against Fort Valley State last week. All four of S.C. State’s victories came when the Bulldogs have scored 20 or more points. The Bulldogs lead the MEAC in total offense (376.0 ypg), run defense (112.0 ypg), pass offense (243.7 ypg), sacks against (11) and fumble recoveries (7). QB Eric Phoenix sits atop the MEAC in passing with 241.7 ypg. WRs Caden High and Justin Smith-Brown rank one-two with 82.5 ypg and 60.8 ypg, respectively. MEAC Specialist of the Week Dyson Roberts ranks first in the MEAC in punting (43.5 avg.), while Rookie of the Week Kyle Gallegos averages one field goal per game, six on the season. Delaware State enters Saturday’s matchup following a bye week. The Hornets are on a five-game losing skid, including their last matchup against Robert Morris, 23-0. Delaware State looks to get back in the win column as their last victory came on the road in Week 1 at Sacred Heart, 17-15. RB Jaden Sutton is the MEAC leading rusher (88.9 ypg) and ranks first in all-purpose yards (107.6 ypg). K Nathan Wilson is perfect on PAT kicks (15-of-15) to lead the MEAC. South Carolina State leads the all-time series, 33-18. The Bulldogs won the last outing 35-7, a season ago.
Morgan State Bears (3-4, 0-0 MEAC) at No. 20 North Carolina Central Eagles (5-2, 1-0 MEAC)
Saturday, October 26 | O’Kelley Riddick Stadium | Durham, NC | 3:30 PM
Morgan State enters the matchup following a bye week looking to shake off a 32-24 loss to Merrimack on Oct. 12. The Bears defense allows the fewest opponent points in the MEAC at 17.7 ppg while holding teams to 267 ypg of total offense. Morgan State’s defense ranks first in the MEAC in forced fumbles with nine (1.29 pg), opponent 1st downs (14.0 pg) and opponent 4th down conversions (14.3 percent). LB Arturo Mattocks ranks fourth in tackles (6.3 pg), while DL Elijah Williams is fifth in tackles for a loss (0.93 pg) and second in sacks (0.86 pg). Offensively, WR Andre Crawley ranks third in the conference in receiving yards (48.7 ypg), while K Beckett Leary ranks third in total scoring (5.3 ppg). North Carolina Central is boasting a four-game win streak after dominating Virginia University of Lynchburg 68-0 on Oct. 12. The Eagles have outscored their opponents 216-48 in their last four games, averaging 54.0 ppg. N.C. Central leads the MEAC in scoring (39.4 ppg), rushing (181.7 ypg) and red zone offense (96.6 percent). On special teams, the Eagles have the best kickoff return average (28.6 avg.) and kickoff distance (41.4 ypg). RB J’Mari Taylor ranks second in the MEAC in rushing (84.9 ypg) and first in scoring (9.4 ppg), while RB Chris Mosley averages 28.8 ypc on kick returns. Saturday’s game will be the 46th meeting between the two teams with Morgan State holding a 23-19-2 series lead. NCCU has won the last seven meetings since 2015, including a 16-10 victory in their last matchup on Oct. 19, 2023, in Baltimore.
