Game Notes Hampton, VA—The Howard University football team will be looking to close out the season with a victory when it takes on the Pirates of Hampton University on Saturday at 1 pm in Armstrong Stadium for the regular season finale for both teams.

A lot will be on the line for both teams.  The Bison (5-6, 3-4 MEAC) could finish .500 with a win while the Pirates (4-6, 4-3 MEAC) could salvage their season on a winning note after starting 0-5.

Howard won last year's game, 20-10 in Washington and held on for a 10-7 win in 2011.  That snapped a 14-game strangehold that Hampton held over the Bison.  Hampton leads the series, 47-41-1.

Both teams are young and seem to have found themselves after a slow start.  The Pirates have been able to have success on offense due to a number of playmakers including red-shirt junior running back Jorrian Washington (102 carries, 631 yards, 5 TDs), senior running back Antoine Chisholm (44 receptions, 472 yards, 4 TDs) and freshman quarterback Bryan Bailey (82 of 149, 946 yards, 6 TDs).

"They have a number of playmakers on offense," said Howard Coach Ray Petty.  "They seem to be playing with a lot of confidence.  It will be a challenge for us."

The Bison defense should be up for the challenge.  In the past two victories, Howard has allowed a touchdown and two field goals.  In the victory over Texas Southern, the Bison came up with a season-high six turnovers, including a fumble return for a TD by red-shirt junior safety Cameron Alston.

Defensively, Hampton boasts three of the top defensive players in the MEAC in senior linebackers Delbert Tyler (114 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and Corvin Johnson (112 tackles, 3 interceptions) and sophomore defensive end, Miles Grooms (18.5 tackles for losses, 9.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles).

They will be going up against one of the most improved offensive lines in the conference.  The Bison offensive front ranks among the best in the MEAC in fewest sacks allowed.

"The improvement of the offensive line has been the main reason we have played as well as we have over the second half of the season," said Petty.  "With only one senior and no other players with playing experience, it was a major concern.  But they have shown great improvement by not allowing sacks or making mental mistakes once we get in the Red Zone."  

The Bison offense is averaging almost 400 yards per game and rank among the best in FCS in fewest sacks allowed.  It is also second in the conference in fewest penalties.

The chief beneficiary of the formidable Howard offensive attack has been Greg McGhee, who has separated himself from the other quarterbacks in the conference.

"There is no question about it, McGhee will be the focal point of our game plan," said Hampton head coach Donovan Rose, during the week teleconference.  "He poses a dual threat.  He finds ways to make plays with his feet and his arm.  He is definitely an area of concern for us."

McGhee leads the MEAC in total offense and is a strong candidate for Player of the Year honors.