Football | 11/15/2024 9:37:45 AM

NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 15, 2024 – MEAC football kicks off Week 12 under the lights as Howard faces North Carolina Central on ESPNU. Action continues Saturday with a second ESPN matchup with SC State traveling to Morgan State in a must-win game for both teams while Delaware State comes down to Norfolk State for the Spartans' senior day.
Here’s a look inside this week's matchups...
Howard enters the matchup following a 38-14 loss to South Carolina State last week. Howard boasts the second best run offense in the MEAC with 166.6 ypg and the second ranked kickoff and punt return units averaging 20.5 yards and 8.3 yards. DB Kenny Gallop Jr. ranks second in the MEAC in total tackles with 74 (7.4 avg.) while teammate Noah Miles is fourth in tackles for a loss (9.5) and sacks (7). North Carolina Central enters Saturday's game following a bye week after dropping to South Carolina State in their last outing, 24-21. The Eagles lead the MEAC in scoring offense (34.8 ppg), run offense (167.8 ypg) and kickoff returns (26.3 avg) while ranking second in scoring defense (21.0 ppg), total offense (359.6 ypg), pass offense (191.8 ypg) and defense (160.8 ypg). RB J’Mari Taylor leads the conference with 95.8 ypg and scoring (8.7 ppg). This will be the 28th meeting between the Eagles and the Bison. N.C. Central leads the series 16-10-1, however, Howard won last year’s contest 50-20, their first win over the Eagles since 1994.
 

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Delaware State enters Saturday’s matchup looking to pick up their second victory of the season after falling 36-28 to Morgan State in their last outing. DSU leads the MEAC in PAT kicks making all 24 attempts. RB Jaden Sutton ranks second in the MEAC in rushing (95.7 ypg) and scoring (6.6 ppg). DB Kyree Benton and DL Darren Cook rank two and three in fumbles recovered. Norfolk State enters Saturday’s contest following a bye week after losing at Morgan State in overtime, 38-37. Norfolk State’s run game ranks third overall (159.8 avg.) while RB Kevon King ranks third in the MEAC in rushing yards (79.2 ypg) with seven rushing TDs. The Spartan defense leads the MEAC in interceptions with 11 and is second in sacks against (15) and fumbles recovered (8). Delaware State leads the series 18-7, however, Norfolk State won the last meeting 44-21 in Dover.
 

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South Carolina State enters the matchup following a 38-14 victory at Howard their last time out. The Bulldogs boast a six-game win streak and maintain control of the top spot in the MEAC standings. WR Eianj Carter earned MEAC Player of the Week accolades after registering 120 yards on four catches (30-yard avg.) including a 63-yard touchdown catch. Teammates Kwantre Harry, Tray Franklin and Dyson Roberts were named the MEAC Defensive Player, Offensive Lineman and Specialist of the Week, respectively. The Bulldogs lead the MEAC in total offense (416.7 ypg), pass offense (283.1 ypg), run defense (109.0 ypg), sacks against (14), sacks by (32), forced fumbles (11) and fumble recoveries (10). The Bulldogs defense sits second in total defense (307.4), interceptions (10), opponent first (16.4 percent) and third down conversions (32.6 percent). Morgan State enters Saturday’s game boasting a two-game win streak after defeating Delaware State 36-28 in their last matchup. Freshman kicker Sahr Gbundema recorded three field goals of 21-, 25- and 36-yards and went 3-for-4 on PATs earning MEAC Rookie of the Week accolades. DL Elijah Williams ranks second in the MEAC in sacks (10) and third in tackles for loss (11.5). The Bears lead the MEAC in scoring defense (20.5 ppg), 22nd nationally. Morgan State allows the eighth fewest passing yards in the FCS (157.0 ypg), while ranking 14^th in total defense (303.4 ypg). The Bulldogs lead the series 34-8-1 winning 13 of the last 16 matchups. However, the Bears beat the Bulldogs 20-17 a year ago.