Janelle Wilson, Staff Writer, MSU Spokesman
The Morgan State Bears secured a 44–6 homecoming win over the Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons, despite being without several key players due to injury.
Star running back Jason Collins Jr. was sidelined for the second straight week with an ankle injury. No timeline has been given for his return.
Starting quarterback Kobe Muasau’s injury has not been confirmed, but the Hawaiian native was seen wearing a cast on his throwing hand.
“It’s about being prepared [with] any situation that’s thrown at you,” said redshirt freshman running back Randall Nauden. “Be ready when your number is called so that nothing is a surprise to you.”
The Bears maintained control throughout the game racking up 354 rushing yards and 184 passing yards (a season-high in total yards), compared to the Dragons’ 54 rushing yards and 148 passing yards.
Second–string quarterback Raymond Moore III got his first career start for the Bears and finished 13-of-22 for 173 passing yards, with one touchdown and an interception. He added 52 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.
Despite missing their star running back, the Bears’ ground game didn’t miss a beat, with several players stepping up to gain more than 50 rushing yards. Sophomore running back Dorian Harris led the way with 16 carries for 95 yards.
“We had injuries, but luckily the guys behind them were able to step up,” said Moore. “We practice every week, so when the opportunity came, we were ready.”
The Bears also delivered a strong defensive performance, recording a sack and an interception while holding the Dragons to one touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Morgan State improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 at home this season. The Bears are now 5-0 all-time against Virginia University of Lynchburg.
“It felt good to get a win—especially on homecoming in front of the alumni and everybody else,” said head coach Damon Wilson. “Now we get ready for conference play.”
Morgan State enters their bye week next week before beginning MEAC play on October 25, when they travel to Washington, D.C., to face Howard University at 3:30 p.m.