Piscataway, NJ—The Howard University football team will take on another FBS opponent when it plays the Scarlet Knights Of Rutgers in a non-conference game today at 12 noon at High Point Solutions Stadium.

The Bison (0-1) opened the 2014 season last Thursday night at Akron and suffered a 41-0 setback to the Zips from the Mid-American Conference.  In that game, Akron jumped on top quickly with three scores in a seven-minute span before the Bison settled down to become more competitive.

"I thought we did not come out and compete early on," said Howard Coach Gary "Flea" Harrell.  "Akron came out with out with a lot of energy and intensity and we just did not match it.  We did settle down and had some success holding them scoreless for the rest of the half, but we cannot afford to come out like that again and expect to have a chance to compete."

In the Scarlet Knights (1-0), who are in now in The Big Ten for the first time, are coming off an thrilling 41-38 win over Washington State to kick off their season.  Unlike Akron, which victimized the young Howard secondary with the pass, Rutgers is more run oriented.  James Paul spurs the attack, having rushed for 173 yards and three TDs in the win over Washington State.

Gary Nova is an experienced quarterback, who balanced the attack with 281 yards and two TDs.  His prime target is Leonta Carroo, who caught six passes for 151 yards and a TD on the first series.

"They pose a different kind of challenge for us," says Harrell.  "Rutgers like to play power football.  They want to control the line of scrimmage.  But we have to be careful because they saw what happened to us against Akron and I am sure that they will try to exploit us.  We just have to be sound in the things we like to do and play with discipline and intensity.  I can live with the outcome if we do those things."

The Bison will look for senior quarterback Greg McGhee to rebound.  The 6-3, 208-pound native of Pittsburgh, PA, posted his lowest numbers and was sacked four times.  Adding to the woes were some injuries to some key performers on offense.

"We can't make excuses for injuries or youth or inexperience," says Harrell.  "We just have to go out, compete and represent Howard University."

MEDIA:The game will be broadcast on the Howard Sports Network (www.whbc963hd3.com)
Trevin Jones and Michael Lindo will call all the action.  The game will also be broadcast on The Big Ten Network.  Kevin Kugler (play by play), Shaun O'Hara (color commentary) and Tina Cervasio (sidelines) will call all the action.

NEXT UP:  The Bison entertain Morehouse College in the AT&T Nation's Classic at RFK Stadium at 3:30 pm while the Scarlet Knights host Penn State next Saturday at 8 pm