The 2022 MEAC/SWAC Challenge

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
• TV channel: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN.com
• Location: Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

BROADCAST ANNOUNCERS: There will be royalty in the broadcast booth.  The Queen of HBCU football, Tiffany Greene of FAMU will handle the play by play and HU alum, The King Jay "Sky" Walker will provide commentary.
 
THE COACHES: Howard University is coached by Larry Scott (University of South Florida, 2000), who is in his third season at the helm. He has had measured success during his career with the University of Miami (2013-15), the University of Tennessee (2016-17) and most recently with the University of Florida (2018-20) before coming to Howard. Alabama State is coached by Eddie Robinson (Alabama State, 1994), who is in his first season at his alma mater.  Robinson was a standout performer with Alabama State and went on play 11 years in the NFL.
 
PREVIEWING ALABAMA STATE VS HOWARD UNIVERSITY
ALABAMA STATE: The Hornets enter the MEAC/SWAC Challenge with a new head coach in Eddie Robinson Jr. and a new signal-caller on offense after the departure of quarterback Ryan Nettles. Auburn transfer quarterback Dematrius Davis represented the Hornets at SWAC media day and should take over in 2022. The Hornets will also have to replace running back Ezra Gray in the backfield, but luckily running back Jacory Merritt returns after leading the team in rushing attempts in 2021. Merritt will get to run behind all-conference offensive lineman Robert Alston.
 
Alabama State's defense is led by safety Irshaad Davis. Davis was a second-team All-SWAC selection last year after leading the Hornets in tackles. Davis, along with cornerbacks Naytron Culpepper and Keenan Issac, make Alabama State's secondary a strength entering 2022.
 
HOWARD UNIVERSITY: The Bison's offense is led by senior quarterback Quinton Williams (176 of 301 for 2,353 yards and 16 TDs). Williams is very experienced under center and is looking to make the next leap in his game after helping lead the Bison to the MEAC's second-leading passing offense last year. Williams' top target on the outside, graduate wide receiver Antoine Murray (33 receptions, 629 yards, 7 TDs), junior Casey Hawthorne (40 receptions, 447 yards, 2TDs) and senior Matthew McDonald (20 receptions, 288 yards, 4 TDs), returns to bolster the passing attack. In the run game, senior offensive tackle Anim Dankwah and sophomore offensive guard Darius Fox will create lanes for Howard's all-conference running back tandem of Ian Wheeler (65 carries, 443 yards, 8 TDs) and junior Jaret Hunter (137 carries, 643, 3 TDs; 29 receptions, 233 yards).  Highly regarded incoming freshman Eden James, (son of former NFL standout Edgerrin) adds talent and depth to the backfield.
 
On defense, Howard returns one of the MEAC's top pass-rushers in senior defensive lineman Darren Brokenburr, who led the Bison in sacks (3.5) last year. Junior defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr. patrols the Bison secondary; Gallop led all Howard defenders in tackles last year with 75 stops.  Senior middle linebacker Christian White (47 tackles, 6 tackles for losses) is a stalwart and sophomore safety Ray Williams (52 tackles, 2.0 for losses) will be looking to improve the defense.
 
PRESEASON HONORS:
Howard, which was predicted to finish 5th in the MEAC preseason poll, had five players named to the first team All MEAC: Gallop, Murray, Brokenburr, Dankwah and Fox while Hunter, Ian Wheeler (return specialist) and senior center Deshawn Ingram were named to the second team.
 
Alabama State has been picked to finish 4th in the East Division of the SWAC.  Offensive lineman Robert Alston and defensive back Irshaad Davis were selected to the preseason All SWAC first team.
 
Alabama State vs. Howard: Series history
Alabama State and Howard have played once in the two school's histories. In 
In 2004, the Hornets and Bison battled on the gridiron in the Detroit Classic at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Alabama State defeated Howard 27-12.
 
MEAC/SWAC History
Howard is making its first appearance in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Alabama State is making its third appearance in the game, still in search of its first win. The Hornets fell, 27-14 to SC State in 2005 in the first games and lost, 38-28 to Bethune Cookman in 2012. The MEAC has won two in a row and holds an 11-4 advantage.
 
MEAC/SWAC Challenge History
There have been 15 completed MEAC/SWAC Challenge games, dating back to 2005. Here's a complete history of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge game.
 
NEXT UP: The Bison travel to Hampton, Va., to take on the Pirates next week in the Annual "Real HU" battle.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.