Today in New Jersey, Morgan State faced off against Rutgers in an FCS vs FBS clash. Like North Carolina A&T last season and Howard two weeks ago, MSU looked to upset an FBS team. Something that has been rare the last few years in HBCU Football. 65 points later, and MSU did not pull the upset. They left the field with a 65-0 loss. Morgan State is off to their worst start since the 2013 season. A season when they started 0-5.
Once again, Morgan State had a strong 1st Quarter defensively. They held Rutgers to a meager 7 points in the 1st quarter. But once again for the Bears, things fell apart. Rutgers went on to score 58 unanswered points with a few highlights for the opposing team.
BLOCK!@RFootball special teams comes up with the blocked punt to set up a TD. pic.twitter.com/JHlxTXQgMW
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) September 16, 2017
This is a fun one, isn't it?
Johnathan Lewis punches it in for another @RFootball TD. pic.twitter.com/qZDTwG2CaS
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) September 16, 2017
So, this was sweet.
Way to draw it up, @RFootball! pic.twitter.com/de3AzBhdLW
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) September 16, 2017
Morgan State
With 60 plays, MSU only gained 145 total yards. Although this game was a major mismatch on paper, Morgan State’s offensive struggles continued. And with North Carolina A&T coming to Hughes Stadium next week, MSU must find a way to improve.
This brings a bigger question to the spotlight, how long will HBCU’s play bigger FBS programs in order to reap the financial benefits? Most SWAC and MEAC schools do it. But is it really worth it? As we see for some programs, it is. But in terms of non-conference schedule, will more HBCU’s face other HBCU’s before their normal non-conference schedule starts? FCS schools facing FBS schools and getting paid has its benefits. But from a football aspect, being blown out isn’t worth it.
Morgan State will face North Carolina A&T next Saturday at 7pm. The Bears will be looking for their first win of the season, and first win vs A&T since the 2013 season.
