BALTIMORE, Md. - Whenever Howard University and Morgan State University get together on the football field, it always has serious implications: it's a conference game, it's for Beltway bragging rights and a chance for old and new acquaintance to get together in fellowship. Saturday's game is scheduled for 12 Noon at Hughes Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN3.

However, this year's clash has some more serious implications. Morgan State, one of the two surprise teams of the conference, have won two MEAC games in a row with impressive wins over defending champion South Carolina State and a strong Delaware State team. The Bears, who were picked last in the preseason poll after winning only two games last year, have a chance to send a message.

That message will start with the Bison (4-6, 3-1 in the MEAC), who have also been a surprise. After winning only one conference game last season and picked next to finish next to the bottom, Howard has won three of its last four and with a win, could finish as MEAC co-champions with North Carolina Central, who handed the Bison their only conference loss.

It has been nearly 30 years since Howard won a MEAC championship, with the Bison's last title coming in 1993.

"I think that no one expected us to have a chance to do any of the things we're doing except the people who are in this building," said Howard Head Coach Larry Scott. "We have a football team that believes and keeps believing that they are good enough and know that we're building and trending in the right direction."

Morgan State (4-6, 2-2 in the MEAC) hired Damon Wilson in hopes that he would revive the proud program. After all, he had been highly successful as head coach at nearby Bowie State University, his alma mater, leading the Bulldogs to three straight CIAA championships and five appearances in the Division II playoffs during his 13 years there at the helm.

The vision of the Morgan State alums and perhaps the administration was that Wilson would eventually build the program in two-to-three years to respectability. The problem is that Wilson had a different plan and he has been able to execute it quicker than many thought.  

The Bears feature a ground game with one of the top backs in the conference, Alfonzo Graham (171 carries, 1,039 yards, 8 TDs) explosive special teams kick return specialist in Keith Jenkins (19 returns, 582 yards, @ TDs) and an opportunistic defense that has given teams nightmares, sacking opposing quarterbacks 27 times and capitalizing on their forced turnovers (league-high 11 interceptions, four of which have gone for scores).

"You know as a coach, it is fun watching them on film," said Scott, admiringly of Saturday's opponent. "They play the game the way it should be played. You see them flying around to the football and they play hard and physical. We will certainly have to bring our A game if we are to be successful."

The Bison, who played only two home games all season, seemingly thrive on adversity. But it has turned into a positive. They have had success with their vaunted ball-control running attack and a much-improved defense.

Junior running back Jarett Hunter has emerged as one of the elite backs in the conference and leads the quartet of senior Ian Wheeler (52 carries, 301 yards, 1TD), junior Kasey Hawthorne (40 rushes, 274 yards, 5 TDs) and MEAC Rookie of the Year candidate, freshman Eden James (65, 373 yards, 2 TDs) in the Bison's ball control offense that averages almost 33 minutes in time of possession. Hunter, the second leading runner in the conference, has really come on strong the past two weeks, scoring three TDs last week against SC State and has registered runs of 74 and 66 yards during that period.

That effective running attack is balanced by quarterback Quinton Williams (168 of 262, 2.343 yards, 24 TDs, who has spread the wealth to his receivers. Graduate Antoine Murray is second in the MEAC with 39 receptions for 562 yards and 4 TDs. Sophomores Richie Ilarazza, Nah'shawn Hezekiah and Hawthorne have combined for almost 100 receptions among them.

The numbers look impressive statistically, but this would not be possible if not for the young offensive line that came into the season with question marks. But under the development of former Howard standout offensive lineman, Brandon Torrey, the unit has jelled and is playing with consistency and effectiveness.

"That group does a good job," notes Coach Scott. "They are a young (the entire unit returns) and has found some chemistry."

Defensively, the Bison have improved dramatically from last season. The defense forced only three turnovers all of last season. They are second in several defensive categories, including pass defense where have allowed only 11 TD passes all season and rank second in third down conversion defense.

It is a team effort in all areas, but junior safety Kenny Gallop, Jr., is proving that his preseason selection as all-conference is no fluke. The 6-0, 212-pound native of Portsmouth, Va is second in the conference with 89 tackles, 58 of them unassisted. Others who have stepped are sophomore linebacker Terrence Hollon and sophomore cornerback Michael, Jones, III, senior defensive lineman Jevin Jackson and sophomore defensive end Marcus Brown.

So what are the keys the game for Howard University?

"This is an opportunity for us to display our brand and what we are building here as a program," says Scott. "It is going to be a challenge between two teams playing for something. This is why you play this game. The bottom line is that we have to finish."