By Dave Carey
Examiner Staff Writer
Towson right tackle Dan Bridges was bench pressing 365 pounds for the fifth time during the Tigers’ weightlifting test in the spring of 2007 when he felt his right pectoral muscle tear.
“It felt like a spring uncoiled in my chest,” he said. “It hurt pretty good, but I am back from it now. I was pretty much in the training room, 24-7. They had creams, gadgets all hooked up to it. It took a lot to get back from it. I have a permanent depression there now.”
Still, the 6-foot-6, 290-pounder didn’t miss a start last fall.
The former Francis Scott Key High standout has been one of the most consistent players for Towson during his career, starting 23 consecutive games for the Tigers (0-1) heading into Saturday night’s game against Morgan State (0-0) at 6 at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Bridges, a junior, and the rest of the Tigers try to rebound from a season-opening, 41-13, loss at Navy last week. The offensive line especially struggled, as it was flagged six times for 40 yards in penalties, allowed three sacks and paved the way for a meager 30 yards rushing on 26 carries.
But don’t expect any sympathy from Morgan State, which has defeated the Tigers just five times in 20 meetings.
The Bears are looking to post their first winning season since 2003, the last year it beat Towson. Morgan State has lost its past three games against the Tigers, including 28-21 last year.
Bears coach Donald Hill-Eley said the key to beating the Tigers is limiting mistakes. Morgan State allowed two blocked field goals in last year’s matchup at Hughes Stadium and threw a costly interception that led to Towson’s winning touchdown.
“Our biggest thing is making sure our special teams are sound and not giving them any extra opportunities,” Hill-Eley said. “Within any game you are going to have any mistakes, but you have to keep them to a minimum.”
Morgan State returns eight starters from a defense ranked second overall in the Football Championship Subdivision last fall. The unit yielded an average of just 264.8 yards per game and just 3.2 yards per game.
But last season that defense couldn’t stop Towson when it counted, as the Tigers secured their victory with a game-ending nine-play, 51-yard drive that took up the final four minutes, 49 seconds of the game.
“We need to come out and pound them and establish the run game,” Bridges said. “If we do that, we can be successful.”
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Morgan State Bears (0-0) at Towson Tigers (0-1)
- When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
- Where: Johnny Unitas Stadium
- TV/Radio: 1570 AM
- Tickets: Available
