WASHINGTON (October 25, 2017) – After two big wins versus Delaware State (DSU) and Morgan State (MSU), Coach
Mike London and the Howard University Football team seek their third straight victory when they travel to Orangeburg, S.C. to meet South Carolina State (SCSU). Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
FloSports will be broadcasting the game live. Dave Friedman will handle play-by-play duties with color analyst Cy Alexander. This is a Pay-Per-View (PPV) stream.
Along with the ability to listen to the game live with play-by-play from Trevin A. Jones and his color analyst Tiffany Hoyd. Tune in to the
WHBC96.3HD3; SiriusXM Channel 142; or Resident Network Channel 51 for all Bison's football coverage.
MATCHUP PREVIEW
Saturday's matchup marks the 45
th meeting between HU and SCSU with the Bulldogs leading the all-time series, 34-10. Over the past 15 years, South Carolina State has controlled the series, winning 12 consecutive matchups. Howard's last victory versus SCSU came on Nov. 9, 2002 in Orangeburg, 23-9.
Last season, HU limited the Bulldogs to a touchdown on offense, but six turnovers, including five interceptions and failure to capitalize on opportunities proved to be too much to overcome as Howard fell, 14-9, at Greene Stadium. Senior
Anthony Philyaw finished the day with 160 yards on 32 carries.
This season, SCSU (2-5, 1-4 MEAC) comes in looking to end its two-game skid. Despite holding Bethune-Cookman and Delaware State under 20 points, the Bulldogs were unable to create enough big plays on offense.
South Carolina State continues its defensive tradition, led by reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year Darius Leonard. A year ago, he racked up a team-leading 124 tackles.
"He's playing well," said Coach London regarding Leonard on Tuesday's teleconference. "He leads the team in sacks, tackles, and hurries. They have done a great job."
For Howard (4-3, 3-1 MEAC), they continue to be among the nation's most explosive offenses. This season, the Bison have scored 30 or more points on four separate occasions. Currently, HU leads the nation in passing yards per completion, led by freshman quarterback
Caylin Newton.
Defensively, the young Bison continue to make strides with key game-changing plays. Over the last two weeks, HU has returned two fumbles for touchdowns while intercepting three passes.
"You always have guys that stand out," London stated. "It's important for us to improve as a team and avoid plays that can cost you games."
LAST TIMEOUT
Howard had another impressive performance with a 39-14 win over MSU on HU Homecoming.
The victory put Howard over .500 overall (4-3) for the first time since their historic win at UNLV. Furthermore, the Bison captured consecutive victories for the first time this season.
"It's been a lot of positive reaction," Coach London stated. "We can't lose focus. We have to get ready for a good South Carolina State football team. Our work will be cut out for us."
HU racked up 387 total offense, including 157 yards on the ground. Newton spearheaded the Bison attack with his arm and legs. The Atlanta native had a career-high four total touchdowns, two passing and two rushing, in the victory.
Sophomore wide receiver
Kyle Anthony produced another 100-yard performance, catching three balls for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Bison had seven pass breakups, six tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Dominique Smith had a game-high 10 tackles (seven solo), a tackle for loss and fumble recovery while
Devin Rollins added eight tackles (four solo), including two tackles for loss.
Bryan Cook provided six tackles, three pass breakups and two INTs in the victory.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Howard continues its road swing in Tallahassee, Fla. where the Florida A&M Rattlers await. Saturday's matchup starts 4 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
