Skip To Main Content

Allen University

Football Swarm vs. Morehouse
23
Morehouse MAC 3-6 , 3-4
26
Winner Allen ALL 3-6 , 2-5
Morehouse MAC
3-6 , 3-4
23
Final
26
Allen ALL
3-6 , 2-5
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
MAC Morehouse 7 3 0 13 23
ALL Allen 7 6 6 7 26

Game Recap: Football |

Yellow Jackets Hold Off Morehouse, 26-23, Behind Strong Rushing Performance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 31, 2026) – The Allen University Yellow Jackets delivered an impressive performance Saturday afternoon, holding off a late fourth-quarter rally by the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers to secure a thrilling 26-23 victory at C.F. Bolden Stadium.

Behind a strong rushing attack, explosive offensive plays, and timely defensive stops, the Yellow Jackets improved to 3-6 overall and 2-5 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play.

Allen established its offensive presence early when quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. connected with Michael Bowman on a 45-yard touchdown pass to give the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead with 12:45 remaining in the opening quarter.

Morehouse responded with a 59-yard touchdown reception by Noah Rhodes to even the score at 7-7. However, Allen regained the advantage early in the second quarter when Ja'Morian Phillips capped a 16-play, 72-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, putting the Yellow Jackets ahead 13-7.

The Maroon Tigers added a field goal just before halftime, but Allen entered the locker room holding a 13-10 advantage.

Yellow Jackets Take Control in Second Half

Allen continued to establish its ground game in the second half, with running back Demetri Simmons leading the charge. Simmons capped a 10-play, 70-yard scoring drive with a 14-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, extending Allen's lead to 19-10.

The Yellow Jackets delivered their biggest offensive highlight early in the fourth quarter when Upshaw Jr. broke free for an electrifying 68-yard touchdown run, extending Allen's advantage to 26-10 with 12:34 remaining.

Despite trailing by 16 points, Morehouse refused to go away quietly. The Maroon Tigers responded with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Miles Scott to Noah Rhodes before capitalizing on a blocked punt returned 22 yards for a touchdown, narrowing Allen's lead to 26-23 with just over three minutes remaining.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Yellow Jackets' offense stepped up when it mattered most. Facing third-and-eight, Upshaw Jr. connected with Bowman for a crucial 13-yard completion to extend the final possession. Simmons followed with key rushing gains, allowing Allen to maintain possession and secure the three-point victory.

Offensive Leaders Shine

Allen's offense totaled 370 yards, including an impressive 227 rushing yards, while controlling the football for more than 34 minutes.

Simmons led the rushing attack with 126 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries, providing consistency throughout the contest.

Upshaw Jr. showcased his dual-threat ability, completing 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown while adding 99 rushing yards and another score.

Bowman emerged as a key receiving target, finishing with three receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, including the critical fourth-quarter reception that helped seal the victory.

Defensively, JayShawn Smalls led the Yellow Jackets with nine total tackles, while Joseph King recorded an interception and returned it 10 yards. Allen's defensive unit limited Morehouse to just 41 rushing yards and 207 yards of total offense.

By the Numbers

  • Final Score: Allen 26, Morehouse 23

  • Total Offense: Allen 370 yards, Morehouse 207 yards

  • Rushing Yards: Allen 227, Morehouse 41

  • First Downs: Allen 20, Morehouse 12

  • Third-Down Conversions: Allen 10-of-15

  • Time of Possession: Allen 34:14, Morehouse 25:46

A Hard-Fought SIAC Victory

Saturday's victory highlighted the Yellow Jackets' ability to establish the running game, execute in critical situations, and respond under pressure. Allen's offensive balance and determination during the closing minutes proved instrumental in securing the win before the home crowd.

Up Next: Annual AME Classic

The Yellow Jackets will hit the road for their next matchup against Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of the Annual AME Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Allen will look to carry the momentum from its victory over Morehouse into the conference showdown.

For the latest news, scores, and updates on Allen University Athletics, visit AUYellowJackets.com.

Print Friendly Version