We wanted to ask for a little more clarity on the rivalry, so I asked if they were considered primary rivals. Here’s what we got:
While Morgan State University and Howard University have a notable and historic rivalry, it may not be accurate to label them as each other’s primary athletic rivals. The landscape of HBCU athletics involves multiple significant rivalries, and both schools have key competitors aside from each other.
Howard University:
- Primary Rival: Hampton University is often considered Howard’s primary athletic rival. This rivalry, known as “The Battle of the Real HU,” is particularly fierce and well-known, especially in football and basketball.
- Other Rivals: Howard also has significant rivalries with other MEAC schools and has a storied competitive history with institutions like North Carolina A&T State University and Norfolk State University.
Morgan State University:
- Primary Rival: Coppin State University is generally viewed as Morgan State’s primary rival, particularly in basketball. This intra-city rivalry, known as “The Battle of Baltimore,” is intense and deeply rooted in local pride.
- Other Rivals: In addition to Howard, Morgan State also competes fiercely with other MEAC schools such as Delaware State University and North Carolina Central University.
Conclusion:
While the rivalry between Morgan State and Howard is significant, especially due to their geographical proximity and historical context, they each have other primary athletic rivals that define their competitive landscapes. For Howard, the rivalry with Hampton University stands out, and for Morgan State, the rivalry with Coppin State University is particularly prominent.