DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Dream Run Faces Next Test Against Morgan State

Few could have imagined DeSean Jackson’s first season at Delaware State would unfold with such precision. The former NFL star has transformed the Hornets from a middling MEAC program into a genuine HBCU powerhouse. In back-to-back weeks, they took down North Carolina Central—long considered one of the league’s benchmarks—and then outlasted Michael Vick’s Norfolk State in a nationally spotlighted matchup at Lincoln Financial Field, witnessed by more than 47,000 fans.

Jackson’s energy and discipline have redefined the Hornets’ football identity. The roster that once leaned on flashes of athleticism now moves with rhythm and confidence, powered by balance and purpose. From the sidelines, Jackson exudes a player’s intuition fused with a coach’s composure—a combination that has his team believing they can go all the way to Atlanta.

Still, even as the Celebration Bowl comes into view, Jackson has insisted that focus remains the real opponent. The MEAC’s unpredictability means that every Saturday carries danger, and the next test—Morgan State—embodies that reality. The Bears have made a habit of upsetting contenders, and Jackson knows how fragile momentum can be in November.

For Delaware State, the stakes are clear: another victory solidifies their control of the MEAC and brings Jackson one step closer to his audacious first-year goal. A slip, however, could undo months of steady ascent.

1. Morgan State’s Defense: A Relentless Force

Under head coach Damon Wilson, Morgan State has forged a reputation as the conference’s defensive stronghold. Wilson, who dominated the Division II ranks at Bowie State before arriving in Baltimore, brought with him a blueprint built on toughness, discipline, and fundamentals. While wins have been hard to come by, his teams have never been easy to beat. The Bears’ calling card remains their defense. In 2023, they nearly stunned the University of Akron, an FBS opponent, before opening that same season by suffocating Richmond—an FCS playoff contender—to just 10 points. These performances underscore what Wilson has built: a team that may lack offensive flash but compensates with tenacity and physicality. This year’s numbers support the narrative. Morgan State ranks third in the MEAC in rushing defense, surrendering only 127.3 yards per game. They are disciplined in gap control, aggressive in pursuit, and rarely allow explosive plays. Their approach may not win style points, but it keeps them in every game they play. For Wilson, this matchup represents a chance to showcase progress. A win over Delaware State would not only shake up the MEAC standings but also affirm that Morgan State’s slow, methodical rebuild is on the right trajectory.

2. Delaware State’s Offense: Built on Power and Precision

DeSean Jackson’s offensive philosophy is simple yet devastatingly effective: establish dominance on the ground, and everything else follows. The Hornets lead the MEAC with an average of 302 yards per game and 28 total touchdowns, their attack revolving around the one-two punch of running backs Marquis Gillis and James Jones. Gillis brings downhill power, while Jones adds burst and versatility in open space. Behind a veteran offensive line, they’ve consistently worn down defenses late in games. When the run is humming, quarterback Travis Adams becomes a threat in play-action situations, stretching defenses that creep too close to the line. Still, Jackson knows that Morgan State’s defensive front presents a different challenge. The Bears’ discipline could force Delaware State to adapt—perhaps leaning more on misdirection, quick passes, or tempo shifts to open running lanes. Jackson’s ability to adjust in real time may be what determines whether the Hornets can sustain their offensive rhythm. Meanwhile, Morgan State’s offense showed signs of life in its narrow loss to South Carolina State last week. Quarterback Raymond Moore III threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns, leading a late surge that almost turned the tide. If that spark carries into this matchup, Delaware State’s defense will need to be alert from the opening snap.

3. A Test of Composure and Conviction

Friday’s clash isn’t just a battle for standings—it’s a philosophical duel. Jackson’s Hornets thrive on pace and confidence, while Wilson’s Bears aim to drag opponents into slow, grinding contests that test patience as much as talent. The team that imposes its rhythm will likely control the game’s direction. For Delaware State, this is about sustaining belief. Every championship-caliber run encounters turbulence, and this game has all the ingredients for such a test. A composed, mistake-free performance would reaffirm that Jackson’s program is built for more than early-season success. Morgan State, on the other hand, seeks validation. For a defense this good, moral victories have lost their appeal; they need a signature win to match their reputation. A triumph here could alter the narrative around Wilson’s tenure and prove that the Bears belong in the upper tier of the MEAC conversation. Both coaches stand at pivotal junctures—one chasing a dream season, the other fighting to prove his program’s resilience. And as the MEAC calendar thins, the margins for error shrink with it.