Durham, NC---The Howard University football team will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak when it takes on the Eagles of North Carolina Central University (7-2, 6-0 in the MEAC) at O'kelly-Riddick Stadium. The kickoff is at 2 pm and will be webcast on www.whbc963hd3.com. Trevin Jones, Tiffany Hoyd and Mike Lindo will call all the action.
The Bison (1-9, 1-5 in the MEAC) had a bye last week following a tough 31-27 road loss to Savannah State two weeks ago. Howard had the lead in that game with four minutes remaining but allowed the hosts to come up with two big plays that determined the outcome and sent them reeling to their fourth straight setback.
Howard was hampered by the loss of junior running back Anthony Philyaw, who suffered a thigh contusion and never was able to get into the game effectively. Despite the loss of his services, the Bison were able to rally behind the quarterbacking of red-shirt sophomore Kalen Johnson and the receiving of freshman Kyle Anthony, who combined for two TDs, including the short-lived go-ahead score.
Philyaw should be healthy after the bye and will have to be a factor against the tough North Carolina Central defense, one of the best in the conference. Philyaw is second the in the MEAC in rushing and needs 190 yards to reach the 1,000-yard plateau.
The Bison defense will have to contain the balanced attack of the Eagles, which features the dual threat of senior quarterback Malcolm Bell (131 of 221, 1,784 yards, 14 TDs; 88 carries, 291 yards, 5 TDs), the running of red-shirt sophomore tandem Ramone Simpson (103 carries, 524 yards, 4 TDs) and Dorrell McClain (72 carries, 319 yards, 4 TDs) and the receiving of the trio of LaVontis Smith, Jalen Wilkes and Khalil Stinson, who have combined for 72 receptions and 12 TDs.
Howard will also have a concern with the NC Central return game, led by Mike Jones, who ranks among the nation's best in the FCS in punt returns with almost 24 yards and 2 TDs.
GAME NOTES: /documents/2016/11/12//FB_NCAT_Game_Notes_2.pdf?id=469
NEXT UP: Howard returns home for the regular season finale against Delaware State next Saturday at 1:10 pm. It will be Senior Day as the senior members of the team will be playing their final home game in a Bison uniform. The Eagles will host the Aggies of North Carolina A&T next Saturday in the Aggie-Eagle Classic at 2 pm.
