The Morgan State Bears need a win, and they will likely get one Saturday as they face a Virginia University of Lynchburg team coming off a 71-0 loss against Elizabeth City and a 48-19 loss to Livingstone. -- But, it won't count.
The Dragons are among a few dozen schools that do not meet NCAA requirements.
Regardless, the Bears will be looking to fine-tune some things, focus on fundamentals and get a win under the belt.
“We’re going into every week with the expectation to win the football game, so that’s our expectation this week," Morgan State head football coach Lee Hull said. "They’re a Division II program and John Lee is a first year coach trying to resurrect their program and he’s doing a good job. We just want to go into this game and try and work on our fundamental techniques and get back on the winning track.”
It's a game the Bears won't be taking lightly after a surprise from Division II foe Bowie State last season.
"They (Bowie) were up 3-0 at halftime and we had to come out in the second half and it was a dogfight, but we ended up winning the game 28-3. We are never going to take anyone lightly, we’re going to prepare just like we prepared for Air Force and Illinois State,” Hull said during this week's MEAC teleconference.
Morgan State will be expecting big things from running back Lamont Brown III. Brown averaged 6.4 yards per carry against Illinois State.
“He’s played two games and has done a good job. Lamont has got some quickness, good vision, is a tough runner and he’s also doing a better job in pass protection right now,” Coach Hull said.
Saturday's game is the home opener for the Bears (0-2). Kickoff at Hughes Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The NCAA declared this summer that UVL is one of 34 teams on a list on non-countable programs. Accoring to the NCAA's statement, for games to be considered for statistics (including rankings and records), the following must be true: "The institution must be four-year and degree granting; the opponent must be considered a varsity intercollegiate team as defined by NCAA bylaw 17 and must be considered countable competition as definied by NCAA bylaws 31.3.3.1 (Divisions I and (() and 31.3.4.1.1 (Division III); and the institution must satisfy one of the following -- be an active, provisional or reclassifying member of the NCAA; or is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States."
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** This blog, Unsportsmanlike Conduct , presents the random sports thoughts of ABC2 Director of New Media and long-time sports reporter Brian Troutman.
