The Maroon Tigers' improved defense was not enough to get the win as Morehouse lost the home opener to the Savannah State Tigers in a close 17-10 battle at B.T. Harvey stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Maroon Tigers fall to (1-3, 0-1 SIAC) while the Tigers rise to (3-1, 2-0 SIAC).

In the first quarter, the Maroon Tigers' offense got off to a strong start. On the first offensive possession of the game, quarterback Jalen Brown (Stamford, Ct.) threw a 48-yard pass to wide receiver Tremell Gooden (Fairburn, Ga.) to put the Maroon Tigers' offense at Savannah State's 10-yard line. Running back Frank Bailey (Atlanta, Ga.) ran for a 2-yard touchdown to give Morehouse an early 7-0 lead.

Morehouse defensive back Dadrian Lyman and defensive end William Callaway combined to tackle Tiger's quarterback D'vonn Gibbons on a third and 9 to end Savannah State's first offensive possession. On the Maroon Tigers' second offensive possession, Brown threw another deep 42-yard pass to receiver Trevor Gichaba (Concord, N.C.). Brown threw an incompletion on third down at Savannah State's 15-yard line. This led to a field goal that increased Morehouse's lead to 10-0.

With 0:41 left in the first quarter, Tiger's running back Quentavious Wilson ran for a 55-yard touchdown. Brown threw a pick six 10 seconds into the second quarter to Tiger's defensive back Adorian Beach. He returned it 25 yards to give Savannah State a 14-10 lead. Tiger's kicker Lugo Giovanni kicked a 22-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give Savannah State a 17-10 halftime lead.

Morehouse's defense was stout in the third quarter. The Maroon Tigers' defense only allowed two first downs, zero passing yards and 34 rush yards to the Tiger's offense. Morehouse linebacker Jonathan Mathis (Stone Mountain, Ga.) forced Tiger's running back Cedric Cole to fumble and defensive lineman Chase Burton (Douglasville, Ga.) recovered the ball at the Maroon Tigers 46-yard line.

On the ensuing drive, MHC quarterback Michael Sims (Detroit, Mich.) led the offense to Savannah State's 26-yard line. Sims threw an incomplete pass to Gooden on a fourth and 2 that ended their drive. Neither team's offense scored as the Tigers held onto their 17-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Sims led the Maroon Tigers on a lengthy 12-play, 64-yard drive. Running back Frank Bailey scored on a 5-yard run, but the touchdown was called back after a holding penalty. The drive ended at Savannah State's 11-yard line when Sims threw a 5-yard pass to Gooden that was short of the first down marker.

Mathis tackled Wilson on a third and 10 that forced Savannah State to punt. With 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Sims had one more chance to tie the game. The game ended when Gichaba failed to get out of bounds after a 1-yard reception.

Offensively, Morehouse was led by Brown and Gooden. Brown had 127 passing yards and Gooden had 107 receiving yards.

Defensively, Mathis led the Maroon Tigers with 14 tackles and one forced fumble. Defensive lineman Demetrice Lofton (Fairburn, Ga.) added another 12 tackles. Morehouse displayed a great defensive effort, allowing zero points in the second half. The defense only allowed 33 passing yards.

Morehouse returns to action next Saturday, October 5^th as they welcome the Thorobreds of Kentucky State University to B.T. Harvey Stadium. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. ET.