DOVER, Del. -- The Howard University Bison's defense turned in their most dominant performance of the season, holding the Hornets to eleven first downs and recorded three turnovers, defeating Delaware State University 24-9 in Alumni Stadium, spoiling DSU homecoming for their first win of Ron Prince era.

The Bison improves to 1-0 (Conference), 1-3 (Overall), the Hornets fall to 0-1, 1-3.

After giving up a touchdown on the first drive of the game, Howard clamped down holding Delaware State to four consecutive three-and-outs. The Bison's offense riding off their defense momentum exploded in the second quarter outscoring the Hornets 18-2, taking an 18-9 lead into intermission.

Howard's defense completely shut down Delaware State, holding the Hornets scoreless and recording two turnovers in the second half.

HU iced the game on a Josiah Crute 24-yard run up the gut of the defense to cement the score 24-9.

How it happened:

>> The Hornets took the first drive of the game and marched down the field 10 plays, 84-yards in 4:54 to take an early lead, 7-0

>> The Bison was back up early in their first drive of the game, due to a penalty, Newton rushed 24 yards gave Howard new life; a 36-yard pitch and catch from Newton to Parsons on fourth down set the Bison up on the half-yard line. Delaware State defense was able to hold and kept HU out of the endzone after Howard elected to go for it on fourth down; 14-plays 72-yards, milking 4:39 of the clock.  Newton was sacked twice after setting up the Bison on the half-yard line

>> Bison's defense held the Hornets to a three-and-out on the ensuing drive

>> Delaware State answered back and held Howard to a three-and-out

>> The Hornets tried a fake punt that was snuffed out by the Bison's punt team set up Howard at the DSU's 31-yard line.

>> In their third drive a defensive pass interference in the endzone set up the Bison on the one-yard line; Three-negative plays put Howard at the Delaware 25 when Newton  connected with Cornwell for a 25-yard touchdown

>> Bison #7 Ray Williams recorded his first collegiate interceptions a brought it back to the Delaware seven-yard line. Newton took the next play for a seven-yard touchdown, the extra kick was blocked and returned, to give HU a 12-9 lead

>> The Hornets offense continue to struggle, recording their third three-and-out in the row; the punter shanked the kick to give the Bison the ball at the 50

>> Newton found Gillespie streaking down the sideline for a 31-yard catch, then found him for a six-yard over the shoulder touchdown to extend the lead, 18-9

>> Howard ended the half empty-handed  getting down to the 4-yard line but could not convert a fourth-down play, eating up 3:57 seconds running 12-plays

>> In the first half the Bison's Defense controlled the Honert's after giving up a touchdown, HU held the Hornets to three first downs the rest of the way

>> The Bison opened up the third quarter going 13 plays before the Del-State defense clamped down and stopped HU inches from converting a first down

>> The third quarter saw both defenses make crucial stops as both offenses were not able to capitalize and score

>> #9 Rodney Dennard recorded his first career interception, Howard's third of the season with 11:51 left in regulation to take the air out of Alumni Stadium

 
By The Numbers:

>> Howard kicks off conference play 1-0
>> Newton recorded three touchdowns (2 passes, 1 run)
>> Newton has scored 10 total career touchdowns  versus Delaware State
>> Newton spread the ball to six different receivers, three had five catches or more
>> Dennard recorded five tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble
>> Anthony  recorded six catches for 65-yards
>> Head Coach Ron Price first win as a Bison

News and Notes:

>> Howard Captains: #30,#27,#31,#81 Delaware State Captains: #17, #14, #80
>> Howard won the toss; deferred to the second half
>> Howard returns to Greene Stadium after playing four consecutive road games
>> Tickets for Bethune-Cookman vs Howard are on sale, visit hubison.com
>> Tickets for Harvard vs Howard are on sale, visit hubison.com