“font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri;”>North

Carolina A&T Aggies (1-2) will travel to Baltimore, Maryland

where they will take on the Morgan State Bears (2-2) on Oct.

1.

North Carolina A&T Aggies (1-2) will travel to Baltimore, Maryland where they will take on the Morgan State Bears (2-2) on Oct. 1.  After suffering two straight double-digit losses to Appalachian State and Costal Carolina the Aggies will attempt to avenge themselves against a talented and well-coached Morgan State football team.  The game will be the Aggies’ first conference game of the year.

During their most recent game against the Costal Carolina Chanticleers, the Aggies displayed significant flaws on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.  Defensive backs and linebackers were exposed, as the Chanticleers were able to pass and run with ease.  It would be surprising if the Aggies were able to remain competitive against the Bears for very long.  Mental mistakes and poor tackling have hurt the Aggies in the past two weeks.

Donald Hill-Eley is entering his tenth year as the head coach at Morgan State. Hill-Eley is currently the third most winning coach in MSU history and is known as a great offensive minded coach, emphasizing discipline and patience.  The Bears are looking to improve from a disappointing 4-7 2010 season. 

The Bears displayed a stingy defense against the Howard Bisons in week three.  Winning 14-9, the Bears recorded one interception and five fumble recoveries.  A second-quarter touchdown fumble recovery by Michael Dallas in Howard’s end zone   proved to be the difference in the game.  Defense is definitely the strongest part of the Bears developing team.  Sophomore defensive back Kenneth Ridley and freshman linebacker Michael Dallas are the key components of an aggressive Bears defensive unit.

Contrarily, the Bears offense was quite rusty against Howard.  The Bear offense was not very efficient, gaining a total of only 187 total yards.  Freshman quarterback, Robert Council, could definitely use some polishing as he finished with a decent 12 of 18 passing for 119 yards and an interception.  The Bears only converted on 4 of the 15 third down plays against the Bisons.  The Bears have no star skill players on offense, but second-team All-MEAC offensive lineman Lawrence Brewer has outstanding strength and great blocking technique.  The undersized Aggie defensive line will have their hands full with the 6’5 290-pound Brewer. 

It will be imperative that the Aggies get points on the board early against the Bears.  The Aggies negative body language when facing deficits early in games communicates a lack of focus and a loss in confidence to fans.   Simply, the Aggies must play hard and smart on both sides of the ball to beat the Bears.                   

• Kalyn Hoyle, Contributor