WASHINGTON (October 24, 2025) - Saturday's (Oct. 25) matchup between Morgan State University (MSU) and Howard University offers a couple of intriguing plots. One, both teams come into the game with identical records (3-4) and two, it is the first MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) game for both teams.
 
The Bison (3-4) are looking to end a three-game slide, following a disappointing 24-7 road loss at Tennessee State (TSU) Saturday (Oct. 18).
 
During those three setbacks, it has been consistent. The offense has had trouble scoring, particularly in the second half of games, while the defense has played at a high level.
 
The Bison failed to score in the second half of their road games at Richmond (Sept. 27), Sacred Heart (Oct. 11) and TSU.
 
At Richmond (UR), Howard held a 13-0 lead heading into the half but allowed the Spiders to score a late field goal just before intermission. UR used that momentum to score two quick touchdowns in the second half to pull out the 13-12 victory.
 
The following weeks were almost like a carbon copy. Howard dominated the Pioneers and led, 14-0, until a late field goal to close out the half jump-started the Sacred Heart as it reeled off 32 straight points, including 29 points after intermission, to come away with the win.
 
And then last week, TSU was able to score the first TD of the game in the first half of three straight games. The Bison managed a 7-7 tie in the first half but failed to score again as the Tigers reeled off 17 straight points to pull out the victory.
 
During those setbacks, the Buffalo Soldier defense played well. It has featured goal-line stands while limiting all three teams to offense. In Nashville, the nationally ranked defense held the Tigers to 182 yards of total offense, including 67 yards on 33 carries.
 
On offense, the running game has been buoyed by the production of the trio of sophomores, Anthony Reagan Jr. (Woodbury, N.J.) and Travis Kerney (Sebring, Fla.), and freshman Billy Roberson (Lake Orion, Mich.), who have combined for 800 yards and eight TDs among them. It is especially noteworthy as Howard has played without preseason first-team all-conference selection graduate running back Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), who has not played since the opener against Florida A&M (Aug. 30) due to an injury.
 
Reagan, who is one of the top kick return specialists in the MEAC, has had his role increased due to the absence of James. He leads the team with 386 rushing yards and five TDs.
 
 
It is also important to note that the Buffalo Soldier defense has been complemented by the punting of freshman Liam Allen IV (Lake Mary, Fla.), who is averaging almost 40 yards per attempt with five 50+ punts and nine inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
 
For the Bears, (3-4), Howard faces a team with a similar personality. Morgan State puts a great emphasis on the run game, powered by redshirt sophomore running back Jason Collins Jr., the MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
 
Defensively, the strength of the Bears centers around registering negative plays and creating turnovers. The unit is led by redshirt senior linebacker Erick Hunter, the MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
 
Morgan State had a bye after easily defeating the University of Virginia-Lynchburg, 44-6, for MSU homecoming. The Bears have won three of their past four.
 
"Going down to DC for Howard's homecoming, we have our work cut out for us," said Morgan State head coach Damon Wilson, who is in his fourth season at MSU. "Howard is a tough environment to play-in. It is their first home game and it is homecoming. We need to be prepared to play a good football game."
 
The Bison have been road warriors all season, having played all seven games on the road. Howard did play Hampton in D.C., but it was at Audi Field.
 
"We are happy to be back in the confines of Howard University," said Bison head coach Larry Scott, who is in his sixth season at The Hilltop. "It will feel good not to have to pack our bags and travel."
 
In last year's battle, the Bears broke a six-game losing streak to Howard with a victory. It must be noted that the Bison played without 22 players due to suspensions.
 
"We will be focused on Morgan State and approaching this game with the mindset that it is a one-game season," Scott said.
 
Collins, who did play in the last game, rushed for 114 yards on 12 carries and two TDs against the Bison. The redshirt sophomore played his prep ball at Theodore Roosevelt High School, just up the street from Howard.
 
GAME TIDBITS
 
For fans who like defense, they are in for a homecoming treat. Both teams lead or are among the top in several statistical categories in the MEAC. Moreover, they are both ranked among the nation leaders in FCS defensive categories.
 
They will also have a chance to witness two of the premier players in FCS in Morgan State's Erick Hunter and Howard's Noah Miles (Tampa, Fla.).
 
On the offensive side, fans will also get a chance to see two of the premier up-and-coming backs in the MEAC: Collins (MSU) and Reagan (HU).
 
This will be the 79^th meeting between the two institutions. In 1899, they first played each other and Howard came away with a 71-0 victory. The Bears lead the series, 44-33-1.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.