As Morgan State prepares for its home opener and a heated cross-town rivalry clash against Towson University, Bears head coach Damon Wilson is making one thing clear: “Enough is enough.”
Wilson, in his third season leading Morgan State, spoke with media members this week ahead of Saturday’s “Battle for Baltimore,” which will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. from Hughes Stadium. The Bears are looking to bounce back from a hard-fought 38-21 season-opening loss at FBS opponent South Alabama.
Despite the score, Wilson said his team competed well against a South Alabama squad that won a bowl game last season.
“We went out there and competed at a high level,” Wilson said. “But we did some things we talked about we couldn’t do — and that’s turn the ball over. We had four turnovers and some penalties. We didn’t show the discipline we needed to win a game like that.”
The Bears struck first with an 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive capped by Jason Collins Jr., but offensive momentum stalled until Collins found the end zone again late in the third quarter.
Wilson acknowledged the growing pains of a season opener but said the team responded with adjustments, including a strong second-half drive. Still, he noted the offense gave the defense short fields to defend, which ultimately hurt the team’s chances.
Saturday’s showdown with Towson carries emotional and historical weight. Morgan State hasn’t beaten the Tigers since 2009, and last year’s 14-9 defeat left another bitter taste.
“At some point, enough is enough,” Wilson said. “We haven’t beat them since 2009. That has to change.”
The Tigers, coming off a 27-7 win over Norfolk State, bring a physical presence on both sides of the ball. Wilson pointed out their two talented running backs and a freshman quarterback who “can sling it.” Defensively, Towson is known for loading the box and forcing teams to throw.
“We’re going to have our hands full,” Wilson said. “But the good thing is we’re at home. It’s our home opener, and I know the Bears will be out in support.”
Sophomore quarterback Kobe Muasau (14 of 22 passing, 156 yards and an interception) showed promise in Week 1, orchestrating multiple long drives and managing the offense — but turnovers proved costly.
“He didn’t do too bad, but we’ve got to take away the turnovers,” Wilson said. “Clock management and protecting the ball — that’s his number one job.”
Wilson cited a two-minute drive before halftime as a missed opportunity. The Bears moved from their own 26-yard line to the red zone in under two minutes, only to end the drive with an interception.
“That’s a drive where you want to come out with points,” he said. “Worst case, three points.”
On defense, Wilson said the Bears struggled with alignments and were hampered by offensive turnovers that gave South Alabama short fields.
“We gave them maybe three or four possessions starting on the plus side of the field,” he said. “That’s not good. The defense needs 80-yard fields to defend.”
Saturday’s game is set against the backdrop of record enrollment, Friends and Family Weekend, and a Baltimore bragging rights battle. The energy in Hughes Stadium is expected to be electric — and Wilson wants to channel that intensity early.
When asked whether he’d prefer to start on offense or defense to set the tone, Wilson kept it simple:
“I don’t care if the offense or defense goes on the field first. We need to be ready to punch them in the mouth.”
Wilson emphasized that this game is about more than just football. It’s about city pride, recruiting, and identity.
“We want to be Baltimore’s college football team,” he said. “In order to do that, you must beat your cross-town rival.”
Morgan State (0–1) hosts Towson (1–0) on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Hughes Stadium in Baltimore. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will stream live on ESPN+.
This story was drafted using an AI tool based on the transcript of the MEAC weekly coaches’ conference and was then reviewed and edited by a journalist before publishing.