MORGAN STATE (1-5, 0-1 MEAC) AT NORFOLK STATE (2-5, 0-1)
When: 2 p.m. today
On the air: ESPN+, 91.1FM
The Spartans: Norfolk State’s last home win came against Morgan State on Oct. 30, 2021. This week might be the Spartans’ best chance to snap their long home losing streak as well as their current three-game skid. The Spartans’ offense will need to start fast, like it did last week against Howard, to win. Quarterback Otto Kuhns threw for 218 yards last week, and he has the opportunity to put up good numbers against a Morgan State defense whose lone weakness appears to be defending the pass. The Bears are second-to-last in the MEAC in passing defense. NSU coach Dawson Odums said in the preseason that he wants his program to hang its hat on its defensive prowess. So far this year, the Spartans have shown flashes of being a good defense, but have never fully been able to put it all together. Morgan State’s offense ranks last in the MEAC.
The Bears: Morgan State’s defense is ranked No.1 in the MEAC in several statistical categories, and saying the Bears have the best defensive unit in the conference isn’t that far-fetched. Last week, Morgan State held North Carolina Central, last year’s MEAC co-champion and top FCS team, scoreless in the first half before ultimately losing 16-10. The Bears have only given up 13 touchdowns this year and are giving up just 4.6 yards per play to opponents. Unfortunately for Morgan State, its offense hasn’t been able to match its defense. The offense has scored just nine touchdowns. If Morgan State wants to spoil Norfolk State’s homecoming, it’ll need its offense to take a step up and help out the defense.