What Is 1987 Morgan State Bears football team

Overview

The 1987 Morgan State Bears football team represented Morgan State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as an independent program, the Bears were led by head coach Stan Washington, who was in his second year at the helm after taking over in 1986.

The team played its home games at Hughes Stadium, a longstanding venue located on the university's campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Despite showing moments of competitiveness, the Bears finished the season with a losing record, highlighting the challenges faced during that era of the program's development.

• Record: The 1987 Morgan State Bears ended the season with a 5–6 overall record, failing to qualify for the I-AA playoffs.
• Head Coach:Stan Washington served as head coach, continuing his rebuilding efforts in his second season after succeeding Earl Banks.
• Scoring: The team scored 187 total points across 11 games, averaging roughly 17 points per game during the season.
• Defensive Performance: Opponents scored 243 points against the Bears, indicating defensive struggles throughout the year.
• Home Field: All home games were played at Hughes Stadium, which had a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators.

Season Structure and Game Results

The 1987 season followed a standard 11-game schedule typical for Division I-AA independent teams at the time. Games were scheduled against a mix of conference-affiliated and independent opponents, reflecting the flexibility afforded to non-conference programs.

• Early Season: The Bears opened with a loss to Delaware State (24–21), setting a competitive but inconsistent tone for the year.
• Mid-Season Win: A 24–17 victory over Howard in October provided a highlight in the rivalry-laden Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup.
• Road Challenges: The team struggled away from home, going 1–5 on the road, including losses to strong I-AA programs like Delaware.
• Scoring High Point: The Bears' highest single-game output was 31 points in a win over Virginia Union, showcasing offensive potential.
• Season Finale: The year concluded with a 31–28 loss to St. Augustine's, a closely contested game that underscored the team's narrow margins.

Comparison at a Glance

Performance metrics for the 1987 Bears compared to prior and subsequent seasons reveal trends in program development.

The data shows a modest improvement in 1987 compared to previous years, with the 5–6 record marking the best performance under Washington until his later seasons. However, the lack of conference affiliation limited postseason opportunities, and declining records in subsequent years signaled ongoing program instability.

Why It Matters

While not a championship-caliber season, the 1987 campaign offers insight into the trajectory of Morgan State football during a transitional period in the late 1980s. The team’s performance reflects broader challenges faced by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in maintaining competitive football programs amid limited resources.

• Program Legacy: The 1987 season is part of Morgan State’s long football history, which dates back to the early 20th century.
• Coaching Development: Stan Washington’s tenure helped lay groundwork for future coaching hires and program reforms.
• HBCU Football: The Bears’ independent status highlights how HBCUs navigated NCAA divisions outside major conferences.
• Player Development: Several athletes from this era went on to careers in coaching or community leadership.
• Historical Record: Detailed season stats are preserved in university archives and NCAA databases for research.
• Fan Engagement: Games at Hughes Stadium maintained strong local support despite win-loss records.

The 1987 Morgan State Bears may not be remembered for trophies or records, but they represent a persistent effort to sustain a proud athletic tradition under challenging circumstances.