What Is 1991 Morgan State Bears football team

Overview

The 1991 Morgan State Bears football team competed as a Division I-AA independent during the NCAA season, representing Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Led by fifth-year head coach Larry Little, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–8 overall record.

The Bears played their home games at Hughes Stadium, a venue that hosted Morgan State football for decades. Despite a passionate fan base, the 1991 season was marked by offensive struggles and a challenging schedule against stronger programs.

• Record: The team finished with a 3–8 overall record, reflecting difficulties in both conference and non-conference matchups throughout the season.
• Head Coach:Larry Little was in his fifth year as head coach, having taken over in 1987 and aiming to rebuild the program’s competitiveness.
• Scoring: The Bears totaled 178 points across 11 games, averaging just 16.2 points per game, one of the lowest in the division.
• Defensive Performance: Opponents scored 274 points against Morgan State, averaging over 24 points per game and highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
• Season Opener: The Bears opened the season with a loss to Delaware State, a historically strong HBCU program, setting the tone for a tough year.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1991 campaign featured a mix of regional rivals and non-conference opponents, with few bright spots. The Bears managed only three victories, all against lower-tier teams, while suffering lopsided losses to stronger programs.

• September 7: Lost to Delaware State 21–14, marking a narrow defeat in the season opener against a key MEAC rival.
• September 14: Suffered a 42–10 loss to Liberty, exposing offensive inefficiency and defensive breakdowns early in the season.
• October 5: Secured a win over Winston-Salem State 24–21, one of only three victories and a hard-fought effort.
• October 19: Lost to South Carolina State 31–10, a strong MEAC contender that outclassed the Bears in all phases.
• November 2: Fell to Howard 27–17, continuing a losing streak in the storied 'Battle of the Beltway' rivalry game.
• November 16: Concluded the season with a 34–7 loss to Norfolk State, finishing on a low note.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1991 Bears stack up against other Morgan State teams and Division I-AA peers:

The 1991 Bears ranked below average compared to both their own recent history and regional competitors. While the 1989 and 1995 squads showed improvement, the 1991 team struggled offensively and defensively, failing to keep pace with MEAC-caliber teams despite playing several of them.

Why It Matters

Though not a standout season, the 1991 campaign reflects the challenges faced by smaller programs in transitioning eras of college football. It serves as a historical benchmark for Morgan State’s long-term development.

• Program Development: The season highlighted the need for recruiting upgrades and coaching adjustments to remain competitive in Division I-AA.
• Historical Context: Part of a rebuilding phase under Larry Little, whose tenure ultimately laid groundwork for future improvements.
• HBCU Representation: Showcased the competitive landscape for HBCUs in the early 1990s, when resources and exposure varied widely.
• Player Development: Provided experience for young athletes who would later contribute to more successful seasons in the mid-90s.
• Fan Engagement: Despite losses, home games at Hughes Stadium maintained strong community and alumni support for the program.
• Institutional Pride: Reinforced the importance of athletics in building school identity at a historically Black university.

The 1991 season may not be remembered for wins, but it remains a part of Morgan State’s athletic legacy, illustrating perseverance through adversity.