WASHINGTON (November 8, 2017) – Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team seek their fifth consecutive win Saturday versus the Norfolk State (NSU) Spartans. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.
 
Fans will have 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
 
This will be the 27^th meeting between HU and NSU with the Bison leading the all-time series, 17-9.
 
A year ago, HU defeated Norfolk State, 33-28, at Dick Price Stadium. Senior running back Anthony Philyaw rushed for a game-high 115 yards and a TD in the victory.
 
Norfolk State (3-6, 3-3 MEAC) had one of the most notable wins in conference play, snapping North Carolina Central's 18-game MEAC winning streak and 11-game home winning streak. Since then, the Spartans have dropped two straight at home while being outscored 62-16.
 
Despite the recent struggles, freshman quarterback Juwan Carter spearheads the Spartans' attack.
 
"He takes care of the football," London stated in Tuesday's teleconference. "He's the guy that makes them go."
 
For Howard (6-3, 5-1 MEAC), they remain in the hunt for a conference title. Currently, the Bison are one game behind No. 7 North Carolina A&T State. This season, the Bison have scored 30 or more points on five separate occasions while ranking among the nation's best in total offense (446.0 per game). HU leads the nation in passing yards per completion, led by reigning STATS FCS National Freshman of the Week quarterback Caylin Newton.
 
"He's getting smarter and better as a quarterback," Coach London stated after Saturday's win over Florida A&M (FAMU). "We still have some room for improvement, but he's definitely a guy who can make this offense go."
 
Defensively, the young Bison regrouped and allowed only three second half points at Florida A&M. Howard lists among the nation's leaders in multiple defensive categories, including fumble recoveries and defensive touchdowns.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
Saturday, the Bison erased a 10-point deficit to knock off FAMU, 37-26, at Bragg Stadium. With the victory, HU secured its first winning season since 2012.
 
"That was phenomenal," said Coach London. "To be down that much and come back, I am so proud of this team."
 
Howard compiled 565 total offense while holding the ball for more than 34 minutes. HU kept the Rattlers' offense off the field, converting 9-of-15 on third and fourth down situations.
 
Newton led the balance attack, throwing for 294 yards while rushing for 141 yards on the ground. The Atlanta native accounted for four total touchdowns, three passing (career-high) and one rushing.
 
Defensively, Leland Lassiter recorded a team-high nine tackles (six solo) while Aaron Walker added eight solo tackles, including a tackle for loss.
 
THEME
 
Saturday's themes are Senior and Military Day.
 
The pre-game senior day honors the football student-athletes and the senior athletic trainers, while halftime will honor the senior band members.
 
"It will be emotional," Coach London expressed. "It will be something these seniors can be proud of because they set the foundation that change Howard football."
 
Active military in uniform or with valid military identification receives free entry.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Howard concludes the regular season at rival Hampton. The Battle of the Real HU continues Saturday at Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.