Baltimore, MD---The Howard University had its best all-around performance of the season, but in the end, a late drive by Morgan State spoiled their efforts and proved to be the difference as the Bison fell, 28-24 to the Bears in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Earl Banks Field at Hughes Stadium. 

Howard (0-4, 0-2 in the MEAC) remains winless while Morgan State (1-2, 1-0 in the MEAC) captured its first win of the season. 

The Bears struck first when they scored in the first 41 seconds of the game on a 44-yard TD pass from Chris Andrews to Willie Gillus, III. The conversion failed as the Bears led, 6-0. 

The Bison responded with a 70-yard drive that was capped off by William Parker from a yard out. Jordan Griggs, who was kicking for the first time in a college game, split the uprights, giving Howard a 7-6 lead at the 5:44 mark of the first period. 

Morgan State would come right back on a four-play, 67-yard drive that was highlighted by a 51-yard catch and run by wide receiver Ladarious Spearman with 3:51 on the clock in the first period. The Bears converted on a two-point conversion to go up, 14-7. 

Morgan State would add to its lead just before the end of the quarter when Andrews tossed his third TD of the game, this time to Ricky Fisk from 32 yards, making it 21-7. 

"We got off to a slow start," explained Howard head coach Gary Harrell. "We're trying to get better at the preparation aspect. It's about coming out mentally and physically prepared. We definitely played better this week, but we are not good enough to let teams get ahead 14 points and try to fight back." 

Then the Bison made their move. Griggs, who walked on from the soccer team, nailed a 34-yard field goal, the first of his career, to get his team to within 21-10 at the half. 

"I came in a little nervous because it was my first time," explained Griggs. "But I have a great coach (kicking coach Mike Andrews) and I knew what I had to do. The things that I had been working on in practice went right. All I had to do was just put the ball through the uprights." 

Howard got out in good shape to start the second half. Following an Elijah Anglin interception return, Howard took advantage of the short field and reserve running back and sometimes fullback Da'Vaun Johnson capped off a 33-yard short drive with a one-yard bolt to narrow the deficit to 21-18 with 9:29 on the clock in the third period. 

"CJ (Rainey) came in and did a great job, picking up the slack for all of our injuries," said Harrell. "Da'Vaun also came in and contributed with some power running. What I am proud of is how the young guys stepped in and contributed despite all the injuries." 

Midway through the fourth period, the Howard run game began to control the clock as Rainey and Johnson became more effective in moving the 

chains. Red-shirt sophomore quarterback Kalen Johnson engineered a 77-yard drive that was capped by yet another Griggs field goal, this time from 24 yards to tie the score at 21 with 8:14 left in the third stanza. 

"Jordan Griggs did a great job kicking for the first time in a college football game," noted Harrell. "And to see Kalen Johnson continue to show improvement is very encouraging. But we have to do better on turnovers, which today put the team in some bad situation and gave them a short field." 

Following another Bears' turnover, Howard capitalized on 45-yard Griggs field goal, the longest of his career. 

But the Bears would not concede and Eric Harrell and Andrews combined for all 69 if the Bears' yards over a 3:29 span that was capped off by Harrell's 4-yard run. Alex Raya converted the PAT as there were only 30 seconds left on the clock. 

Howard was able to move the ball down the field into Morgan State territory but time ran out. 

There were a number of bright spots despite the defeat. Rainey, a freshman running back from Upper Marlboro, MD got his most extensive playing time of the season and responded with a career-high 78 yards on 16 carries. Da'Vaun Johnson chipped in with 48 yards on 10 carries. The Bison were down to their third and fourth string backs as leading Anthony Philyaw, did not play due to disciplinary reasons and Parker, who led all rushers with 80 yards, missed the second half with an injury. 

"There were a lot of open holes for me to run through so my line did a good job of blocking for me this game," explained Rainey. "As a team, we definitely need to work on being prepared, period. As a freshman I didn't even think I would be in this situation so just I just need to make sure I'm ready for any and every opportunity." 

Added Harrell, "CJ is going to be a special player in time. He has speed and quickness." 

After a less than spectacular first half, Kalen Johnson showed growth in the second half, completing 6 of 12 for over 100 yards. 

Defensively, the Bison were able to keep the Bears in check though most of the second half, limiting them to seven first downs and one of five third down conversions. 

"We kept the intensity up," noted defensive end Elijah Anglin, who had 6 tackles and an interception that set up a score. "We are still missing too many tackles that did not put the game away. I am still proud of the way the team fought hard." 

NEXT UP: Howard continues its road swing as it travels to Norfolk, VA to take on the Spartans of Norfolk State next Saturday at 2 pm.