For the 14th consecutive year, the Pirates of Hampton University travel to Giants Stadium to participate in the New York Urban League Classic. Hampton made its initial appearance in 1990 falling to Grambling State 22-3 and the Pirates returned in 1993 and have been a mainstay ever since. Hampton has compiled an overall record of 11-3 in the classic.
The 11th ranked Pirates enter the game looking to reach a historical milestone with their 500th victory in 105 years of football at the University. A win over the Bears and the Pirates will join a list that includes 27 other Division I-AA programs, including two historically black colleges in Southern (514) and Florida A&M (513). In addition, a victory would also extend Hampton’s regular season winning streak to 21 games heading into next week’s game at Delaware State. The Hornets were the last team to defeat the Pirates in regular season play with a 28-23 win back on Oct. 2, 2004.
The Bears of Morgan State are coming off of their first victory of the season with a 28-20 win over Bowie State last Saturday. Chad Simpson ran for 178 yards and three touchdowns to help the Bears rally from a 13-point deficit and improve to 1-2 on the season.
