Morgan State opened its season with a 17-7 win over North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, a result that underscored the Bears’ ability to seize scoring chances while the Aggies stumbled.
Quarterback Braxton Thomas, a redshirt freshman, posted a career-high 240 yards on 20-of-32 passing and capped the opening drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Aggies an early lead before the momentum shifted.
The Bears’ defense forced a pivotal turnover when freshman Asher Holland blocked a field-goal attempt, giving Morgan State possession at its own 20-yard line and setting the stage for a later scoring drive.
Turning Points in the Third Quarter
Later in the third quarter, Cameron Edge connected with Joseph Towler on a 68-yard touchdown pass that stretched the Bears’ advantage and forced the Aggies into a catch-up mode.
Head coach Shawn Gibbs of A&T acknowledged that the game was decided by a handful of key plays, stressing that execution in critical moments would be essential for his team moving forward.
Despite a 14-point deficit and 14 minutes remaining, the Aggies advanced into Bears territory but could not convert, a sack on fourth down and a subsequent punt sealing another possession for Morgan State.
Junior safety Jonathan Kimbrough-Campbell’s hit on Randall Nauden gave the Bears a first-and-10 at the Aggies’ 43-yard line, a momentum swing that preceded Jordan Barnett’s 22-yard touchdown run, sealing the final score.
The Aggies finished the game with 114 rushing yards from Barnett and will travel to Atlanta next week to meet Division I-FBS Georgia State on Friday night.