Morgan State (MSU) saved its best performance so far this season for its Homecoming celebration as the Bears crushed Savannah State (SSU), 44-17, on Oct. 8 at a packed Hughes Stadium in Baltimore, Md.

The Bears poured on the offensive production against Savannah State, posting a season-high 430 yards on the day, mostly gained in the second half of the game. Morgan State led 17-10 at half time, and outscored their opponents 28-7 in the third and fourth quarters.

“We started moving the ball around and everyone just did their job,” said MSU freshman quarterback Seth Higgins. “And that’s what the coaches stressed this week.”

Higgins played outstanding in just the second start of his young collegiate career, completing 14-of-24 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns.

“Wide receivers made their routes and running backs blocked, making it easier for me as the quarterback to make the plays,” Higgins said. “The performance last week was embarrassing, so this week I felt I needed to redeem myself, and that was showed today.”

Morgan State’s defense also dominated, holding Savannah State (1-5 overall) to just 188 total yards on offense, 47 yards gained on the ground. The Bears forced three interceptions and four sacks on SSU quarterback Alfr Defilippis, who finished completing only 13 of 33 passes for 141 yards. Bears junior linebacker Allen Stephens led the game with eight tackles while senior defensive back Reshaude Miller finished with seven tackles.

The Bears now extend their winning streak over Savannah State to 6-0; they’ve also improved their homecoming record to 9-1 for the last 10 years. Morgan State (3-3 overall, 2-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) will now prepare for another non-conference match against North Carolina Central on Oct. 15 in Durham, N.C.