Orangeburg, SC—The Howard University football team will look to get its first win of the season when it takes on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State on Saturday at 2 pm at Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium.  The game will be broadcast live on WHBC at www.whbc963hd3.com.  Trevin Jones will call the play by play and Michael Lindo the color commentary.
           
It will not be an easy task for the struggling Bison (0-5, 0-3 in the MEAC), who had a week off following a heartbreaking 15-12 homecoming loss to Norfolk State on October 3.  Using its much-improved defense and some superb punting, Howard controlled the defensive struggle throughout, only to give up a late touchdown that proved to be the difference.
           
While the defense, led by the return of senior defensive end Damon Gresham Chisholm, recorded a season-high eight sacks, the offense and the kicking game failed to produce.
           
The Bison offense missed chances on third down conversions and their efforts were compounded by two missed field goals by John Fleck.
           
In SC State (2-3 overall, 1-1 in the MEAC), the Bison face a team that is smarting from a disappointing 17-14 road loss to Bethune Cookman last Thursday night in Daytona Beach, FL.  In that contest, the Bulldogs also had the lead late, only to come up short.
           
On offense, the Howard offense, will have to find a way to generate more consistency and become more effective in the Red Zone, an area where the Bulldogs rank among the nation's best in Red Zone defense.
           
"Year in and year out, SC State always has an outstanding defense," said Howard head coach Gary "Flea" Harrell.  "It is a very tough matchup for us.  They have a lot of weapons on offense and on defense, they have great player in Jarvon Hargrave.  We have to perform well and be well prepared to have a chance."  Hargrave is the MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
           
On another note, SC State will honor former Bulldog and Howard University head coach Willie Jeffries.  One of the most successful coaches in college football history, Jeffries built winning programs at both SC State and Howard and he holds the distinction of being the first African American to become a head coach at a predominantly white school (Wichita State).
           
"It should be a great atmosphere down there on Saturday," said Harrell.  "Coach Jeffries is one of my favorite coaches of all time.  It is great to see someone who has accomplished what he has, get his due."
           
He continued.  "We are a young football team so they have to understand their roles, convert on third down, cash in on turnovers, tackle better, score and make field goals.  That is the formula for success."

NEXT UP: The Bison continue its tough road schedule when it travels to Greensboro, NC next Saturday to take on their rival, the North Carolina A&T Aggies at 1:30 for their homecoming.

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