WASHINGTON (October 7, 2017) – Howard University struck first with a 75-yard touchdown pass from freshman Caylin Newton to sophomore Damion Gillespie, but came up short against the reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champions North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles, 13-7, at Greene Stadium.
 
Offensively, HU outgained the Eagles in total offense; however, NCCU capitalized on the Bison's turnovers with 10 points.
 
Newton had his best performance in the air, throwing for a career-high 328 yards and a touchdown.
 
Gillespie and Guy Lemonier Jr. each registered 100-yard receiving games. Gillespie registered a game-high 153 yards on six catches while Lemonier also caught six balls for 111 yards in the loss.
 
A 21-yard field goal from NCCU's Aedan Johnson under nine minutes before intermission trimmed HU's lead, 7-3.
 
With more than two minutes before halftime, Newton's pass went through his receiver's hands and into the diving arms of NCCU's Reggie Hunter.
 
As time expired, Johnson delivered a 19-yard attempt and sliced the Bison's advantage down to one, 7-6.
 
In the third, Newton was hit as he released and North Carolina Central's Davant Reynolds intercepted the floating ball and returned to Howard's 30 yard line.
 
Two plays later, NCCU's Chancey Caldwell connected with Jacen Murphy for a 30-yard TD pass.
 
Defensively, Leon Fields II had a team-best seven tackles (four solo), including a tackle-for-loss. Devin Rollins added five tackles (four solo) and a pass breakup in a losing effort.
 
Howard hits the road where Delaware State awaits. Saturday's contest begins 2 p.m. in Dover, Del.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.