Here’s the Morgan State edition of what you need to keep an eye on tonight:
Losing streak
The Bears have lost 8 consecutive games dating back to 2012, and they’re not losing to powerhouses. NC Central, Howard, Delaware State, Bethune Cookman, Norfolk State, Hampton, Army, and Robert Morris. That’s who they’ve lost to. It should be 9 consecutive losses by the end of the night.
Coach on hot seat
Ok, “hot seat” is putting it mildly. Morgan State head coach Donald Hill-Eley is in the final year of his contract, and was nearly fired last season following a 3-8 finish. That 8 game losing streak can’t help. With the Bears’ next 2 games against Liberty and FBS member Western Kentucky, this streak will likely reach at least 10. Not good for the coach who is in his 12th season leading the Bears.
Morgan State’s #2 Joe Rankin
Joe Rankin vs Darrin Peterson
Rankin, who we featured this week in our Morgan State player profile, had FBS offers coming out of high school. Due to academics he ended up at Morgan State, and he has been a productive player for the Bears. Rankin has 11 career interceptions including 1 last week against Robert Morris. He will certainly be looking to shut down Liberty’s receivers, most notably Darrin Peterson. Should be a fun matchup to watch.
Texas high school connection
A total of 7 athletes who were high school teammates in Texas will be competing against each other during tonight’s game. Morgan State’s Chris Clack, Jr attended West Brook High School in Beaumont, Texas along with Liberty’s JaRon Greene and Justin Guillory. Additionally, Morgan State’s Cravon Rogers Jr and Greg Gibson attended Lamar High School in Houston, Texas along with Liberty’s Marc Wilson and Chima Uzowihe.
1 of Morgan State’s 3 QBs who could play, Robert Council
Morgan St QB
This Morgan State quarterback situation is unique. Last season and in the 1st game against Army, the Bears rotated between Robert Council and Seth Higgins. Against Army, Higgins played just the first 2 series before giving way to Council who finished 4/7 passing for 89 yards and 1 touchdown and rushed 12 times for 47 yards and 1 touchdown. Then against Robert Morris, Hill-Eley decided to play 3 QBs throwing Moses Skillon into the mix. Skillon was 9/18 for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns. So who plays against Liberty? Probably all 3.
Full Morgan State week coverage:
Morgan State feature: DB Joe Rankin
