After a tough non-conference schedule that included a heartbreaking loss to Georgetown and a near upset of FBS opponent South Alabama, Morgan State head football coach Damon Wilson believes his team is ready for the stretch that truly matters: MEAC play.
The Bears (3-4) closed out their non-conference slate with an emphatic 44–6 Homecoming win over Virginia University of Lynchburg, racking up 538 yards of total offense — including 200 on the ground — and giving Wilson’s squad a much-needed morale boost.
“It was great to get all our alums and supporters back on campus,” Wilson said during Monday’s MEAC coaches’ media session. “The guys played well, executed, and we got a lot of young freshmen some snaps in the second half. That’s going to help us for this home stretch.”
Morgan State now enters a bye week before opening MEAC play on Oct. 25 with a Beltway battle at rival Howard, which will be celebrating its homecoming.
The matchup marks a key early test in the conference title race. Wilson emphasized that despite the inconsistency through the first seven games, his team has gained valuable experience — and learned some hard lessons.
“You lose two games on the last play, and then you play a South Alabama team you had a chance to beat — hopefully all those experiences prepare us for conference play,” he said. “We’ve got reference points. We know what it feels like not to finish. That’s a taste you don’t want in your mouth.”
Despite injuries – including to starting quarterback Kobe Muasau and leading rusher Jason Collins Jr. – the Bears showcased their depth in the win over VUL. Five different running backs found the end zone, and redshirt freshman quarterback Raymond Moore III earned his first career start.
“We’ve gone through a couple guys we feel good about,” Wilson said. Hopefully, we get everyone healthy. Each week is going to present a new challenge.”
Offensively, Morgan State is still looking for more consistency, but Wilson praised the progress of his young wide receivers, particularly freshman Justin Perry, who has put together back-to-back strong performances.
Defensively, Morgan State has been stout against the run, though Wilson acknowledged the secondary has given up more yards through the air than he’d like.
“We’ve been inconsistent,” Wilson said. “But special teams have been solid, and our defense has been strong against the run. Now we’ve just got to pull it all together.”
The Bears will have an extra week to prepare for Howard (kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+), where they’ll look to start conference play on the right foot – and make a statement.
“We’ve got to be ready to rock and roll,” Wilson said. “Going down Georgia Avenue for their homecoming, we’ve got to bring our best football.”
