Greensboro, NC—The Howard University football team will be looking to get its first win of the season when it takes on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University on Saturday at 1 pm in Aggie Stadium.  It will not be an easy task.  NC A&T (5-1, 5-0 in the MEAC) is the unanimous choice as the Number 1 team in Black College.  Add to that, it is the Aggies' homecoming and a sellout and it makes for a very difficult task for the young and injury depleted Bison (0-6, 0-4 in the MEAC).
           
NC A&T relies heavily on its vaunted run game led by Tarik Cohen, the preseason MEAC Player of the Year, who is perhaps the most explosive and dangerous offensive player that the Bison have seen this season.  While not a passing team, the Aggies do have speed and playmakers at the wide receiver positions.
           
On defense, NC A&T is tough against the run and on third down conversions, an area where the Bison have had their problems all season.  And if that is not enough, the Aggies have rank among the nation's best in returns.
           
"North Carolina A&T is a tough matchup for us," said Howard head coach Gary "Flea" Harrell.  "They are very physical on defense and they thrive on turnovers. On offense and special teams, they have great team speed.  It is going to be a great environment with it being their homecoming.  But we are excited about the opportunity."
           
Howard has problems scoring this season (averaging only 9.0 points per game) and sustaining drives.  The quarterback play has been inconsistent and the problems are compounded by a lack of a running game.
           
Jamie Cunningham, a red-shirt junior quarterback with the most experience, got his team off to a bad start by throwing two interceptions that were returned for TDs and put Howard in a 14-0 hole to start the game.
           
The Bison special teams, which have been solid for most of the season, also contributed to the team's woes by having a punt block that set up an easy TD for SC State and a 92-yard punt return that accounted for 28 of the Bulldogs points.
           
"Our defense has played well of late but you can't fall in that much of a hole and expect to be able to come from behind," noted Harrell.  "We are not good enough to overcome those kind of odds.  We have to get better at the quarterback position, but we also have to be able to run the ball because it takes the pressure off the quarterback."
           
The running back position has been especially decimated.  First, William Parker, the team's second leading rusher last season, injured his knee and was forced to miss the season.  Then red-shirt senior Aquanius Freeman was on track to have a good season before he suffered a concussion and has been out since the Hampton game.  His replacement, freshman Donnell Pleasant, had back-to-back games over 80 yards against Morgan and Norfolk State, but he also suffered a concussion and had to sit out the SC State game and will not play against NC A&T.  The Bison are down to Rodney Tyson, a former receiver, Ricquaz Brannon, a freshman and Da'Vaun Johnson, a converted quarterback.
           
The Bison defense has shown marked progress during the course of the season.  Up front, Damon Greshman Chisholm, Ibrahima Kebe, Tommie Boozer and Marquise Blanchard are playing well as a unit, recording sacks and negative plays.  The linebacker, led by Jalen Day, who is playing at an all-conference level and David Lee are also making plays.  And the secondary, arguably the best unit on the team, is playing as well as any in the MEAC, led by Kenneth Russ, Craig Johnson, Travon Hunt and Jacob Bennett.
           
"I know that people are going to question why I say this, but Howard is a good football team," said NC A&T head coach Rod Broadway.  "I know that their record is 0-6, but the film says something different.  They have made some mistakes that have hurt them, but they are playing hard and close to being a good football team.  Their defense gets to the ball.  We are not taking them lightly."

GAME NOTES:  John Fleck remains the most consistent player on the team.  The senior punter averaged 41 yards per punt versus SC State, including a 69-yard effort…Fleck also made his PAT and hit a field goal…the game will be live on the web with Trevin Jones on play by play and Michael Lindo on color at www.whbc963hd3.com…the Aggies won last year's game, 38-22 at Greene Stadium and lead the series, 26-20-2.

NEXT UP: The Bison host Savannah State for Community/Think Pink Day next Saturday at 1 pm in Greene Stadium.  The Aggies travel to Tallahassee, FL to take on the Rattlers of Florida A&M University next Saturday at 3 pm.
 
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