Boone, NC---The Howard University football team opens the 2015 season against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State today at 3:30 pm. It will be a daunting test for the Bison, who will start a freshman quarterback.
It will mark the first time that the two schools have met. Both teams enter the game on streaks carrying over from last season. The Mountaineers capped off a 7-5 season by winning their last six games while Howard rebounded from a 1-7 start to finish 5-7.
Appalachian State returns 20 of 22 starters and were picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt Conference. The offense, which averaged over 460 yards per game, is led by quarterback Taylor Lake, who passed for 2,381 yards and 17 TDs and running back Marcus Cox who rushed frr 1,450 yards and 19 TDs.
"Appalachian State is a veteran team that is very explosive," noted Howard Coach Gary "Flea" Harrell. "They have a very strong tradition and it is their home opener. It is important that we pay attention to our assignments and focus on what we do. It is a great opportunity for us to see where we are early in the season."
The Bison defense, which gave up big plays last season, will be without the services and leadership of linebacker Devin Rollins, who led the team in tackles last season who is injured and out indefinitely. Howard does, however, welcome the return of red-shirt senior defensive tackle Ibrahima Kebe, who missed the second half of the season with an injury.
Junior cornerback Kenneth Russ will be called on to lead the secondary against Taylor and his favorite target Malachi Jones (16.2 yards per catch).
Kalen Johnson, a red-shirt freshman quarterback from Pearland, TX, will get his first action as a collegian. Johnson comes to the Bison as a highly touted prospect.
"The thing we have stressed to the quarterbacks is that they do not have to win the game; we want them to manage the game," said Harrell.
Senior running back Aquanius Freeman, who rushed for 421 yards and 5 TDs and caught 36 passes will team with senior wide receiver Matt Colvin (team leading receiver with 41 receptions) will be called on to take some of the pressure off Johnson.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 while Bison fans can catch all the action on the HU Bison Network at www.whbc963hd3.com. Trevin Jones and Mike Lindo will provide play by play and commentary.
NEXT UP: Howard faces another FBS opponent in Boston College next Saturday at 1 pm in Chestnut Hill, MA. That game will also be carried on ESPN3. The Mountaineers travel to Death Valley to take on Clemson next Saturday.
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