Washington, DC—It has all the makings of a classic matchup.  It is Howard versus Hampton.  It is the AT&T Nation's Football Classic.  It is Friday Night football under the lights.  It is the conference opener for both teams. And it is being televised live on ESPNU.
 
"You don't need any special promotions, special motivation or anything extra when these two institutions meet," said Howard head coach Gary "Flea" Harrell, who is 3-0 versus Hampton during his tenure.  "It is an intense rivalry.  Both presidents have a lot of pride in their schools.  Now you have the added element that it is a Friday night under the lights game, at RFK and on ESPNU.  It should be exciting."
 
The Pirates (1-1, 0-0 in the MEAC) are coming off a heartbreaking 31-28 loss to the University at Richmond at home.  Hampton has shown the ability to score, especially in their passing game under quarterback David Watford.
           
The Bison (0-2, 0-0 in the MEAC) are coming off a shutout loss to Boston College on the road last week and have yet to score this season.  But Hampton second year coach Connell Maynor is not fooled by the record.
           
"They played two very tough opponents (Appalachian State, but they played hard despite the score," noted Maynor.  "They have beaten us the last four times so I know they will be fired up.  We expect a very tough, competitive game from them."
           
Howard received some good news this week when Jamie Cunningham returned to the lineup.  The red-shirt junior from Greensboro, NC is the only Bison player who has taken snaps.
           
"It's good to be back in the fold," said Cunningham, 6-4, 215 pounds.  "This is a big game for us and we expect to play well."  Cunningham came off the bench to lead the Bison to victory and gain MVP honors during his freshman season.
           
The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.  Mark Neely will handle play by play and former HU standout Jay "Sky" Walker will be the color analyst.  Bison fans can catch all the exciting play on the Bison Sports Network at www.whbc963hd3.com.  Trevin Jones will do the play by play and Michael Lindo the color.
NEXT UP:  The Bison play in yet another Classic next week when they travel to Chicago to take on the Bears of Morgan State in the Chicago Classic at Soldier's Field on Saturday at 4:30 pm.  That game will be televised on ESPNU.
 
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