Football | 11/8/2024 1:16:19 PM

NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 8, 2024 – MEAC football action has reached the halfway point with two exciting conference games in this weekend’s queue. Four MEAC football teams hit the gridiron kicking off with Morgan State on the road at Delaware State, while South Carolina State is at Howard in a pivotal MEAC game for the conference’s standings race.
 
Here’s a look inside this week's matchups...
 
South Carolina State enters the matchup following a 24-21 victory over ranked North Carolina Central last Thursday. The Bulldogs boast a five-game win streak and hold sole possession of the top spot in the MEAC standings. QB Eric Phoenix earned FCS/HBCU+ National Player of the Week accolades after completing 26 of 36 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns, along with 13 carries for 60 yards, including an 11-yard rushing TD. Teammates Cam Johnson and Kyle Gallegos were named the MEAC Offensive Lineman and Specialist of the Week, respectively. The Bulldogs lead the MEAC in total offense (419.5 ypg), pass offense (282.5 ypg), run defense (115.8 ypg), sacks against (12), sacks by (26) and fumble recoveries (10). Howard enters the matchup following a dominating 38-0 victory over Delaware State. QB Ja’Shawn Scroggins and DB Robert Jones III garnered Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors respectively. Howard boasts the best run offense in the MEAC with 179.0 ypg and the second ranked rush defense (148.2 ypg), pass defense (147.9 ypg) and total defense (306.1 ypg). S.C. State holds a 37-12 advantage in the all-time series including a 27-24 win over Howard last season in Orangeburg, SC.
 

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Morgan State enters Saturday’s game boasting a come-from-behind overtime victory against Norfolk State 38-37 last week. Freshman kicker Sahr Gbundema connected on a 47-yard kick to send the game into overtime earning MEAC Rookie of the Week accolades. DL Elijah Williams ranks third in the MEAC in sacks (9) and broke the Morgan State record for career sacks (29), 10th in the MEAC all-time records. The Bears lead the MEAC in scoring defense (19.7 ppg),16th nationally. Morgan State allows the fifth fewest passing yards in the FCS (141.8 ypg), while ranking sixth in total defense (290.1 ypg). Delaware State enters the matchup looking to bounce back from a 38-0 loss to Howard last week. DSU leads the MEAC in PAT kicks making all 20 attempts. RB Jaden Sutton ranks second in the MEAC in rushing (91.3 ypg) and third in scoring (5.3 ppg). DB Wayne Favors III ranks third in the MEAC in interceptions with two, while DB Kyree Benton and DL Darren Cook rank one-two in fumbles recovered. Morgan State holds a 40-25 advantage in the all-time series. The Bears are riding a five-game win streak against the Hornets into Saturday’s game, including a 24-17 victory last season.