HBCU football opened with a defensive battle between Morgan State and North Carolina A&T, but the Bears found another gear when it mattered most.Morgan State defeated North Carolina A&T 17-7, scoring 14 fourth-quarter points to pull away after a tight first three quarters.The Aggies struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter. Morgan State responded with a field goal in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 7-3 at halftime.Neither team scored in the third quarter.Then Morgan State took over.
Morgan State Finishes the Job
The Bears erupted for 14 points in the fourth quarter, turning a four-point deficit into a 10-point victory. Morgan State finished with 276 total yards, including 167 passing yards and 109 rushing yards.Quarterback Cameron Edge completed 13 of 19 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception.The Bears also found success on the ground. Jordan Barnett led the way with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on only 12 carries.
Barnett averaged an impressive 9.5 yards per carry, providing the explosive plays Morgan State needed to finish the game.
North Carolina A&T Controls the Clock, But Morgan Controls the Finish
North Carolina A&T actually held several statistical advantages.The Aggies finished with 328 total yards, 19 first downs and 35:41 of possession. Morgan State had 12 first downs and possessed the ball for 24:19.North Carolina A&T quarterback Braxton Thomas completed 20 of 32 passes for 240 yards.But the Aggies struggled to turn those yards into points.Their biggest issue came on third down. A&T converted 8 of 15 third downs, while Morgan State converted just 1 of 7.Still, Morgan State’s defense made the plays it needed when the game was on the line.The Bears also finished without losing a fumble, while A&T committed one turnover.
Big Plays Change the Game
MSU’s offense made the most of its opportunities late. Joseph Towler recorded 68 receiving yards and a touchdown on one reception, giving the Bears a major scoring play through the air.Barnett provided the balance on the ground, while Edge efficiently moved the offense through the passing game.For North Carolina A&T, JT Smith led the rushing attack with 51 yards on 19 carries…