WASHINGTON (September 30, 2022) – Howard University football team had its first bye of the season after four straight games, all on the road and it could not have come any sooner. The ultimate Road Warriors played in four different cities, beginning the season during Week 0 (August 27), a week before most teams would start their seasons.
 
"It was a well-balanced week for us," said Howard head coach Larry Scott. "We were able to do some things to get back to basics. We got some people healthy and the players got a chance to catch up on their academics."
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
Howard hopes to build on those efforts when it resumes its arduous road schedule, this time at Yale in the Yale Bowl Saturday (October 1) in New Haven, Conn. Kickoff at noon and broadcasted on ESPN+.
 
The game can also be heard live on the Howard University Sports Radio Network. The team of Trevin A. Jones, Nathaniel Henry and Kendall Lanier will provide play-by-play, color commentary and sideline interviews.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
The Bison (1-3) registered their first win of the season in a 31-0 shutout win over Morehouse College (September 24) in the HBCU NYC Football Classic at MetLife Stadium. It was not easy. Morehouse scrapped and held its own by forcing a scoreless tie in the first half.
 
Buoyed by its best defensive effort of the season, the Bison began to get things going by using their running game, led by running backs junior Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.), senior Ian Wheeler (Houston) and freshman Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), who combined for 145 rushing yards and three TDs to balance the passing game. Senior quarterback Quinton Williams (Upper Marlboro, Md.) to graduate wide receiver Antoine Murray (Miramar, Fla.) took control of the game. The duo combined for eight passes completed, two of which resulted in 29-yard TDs.
 
MATCH PREVIEW
 
Saturday's game is being billed The NAACP Harmony Classic and has been organized for the past 10 years by the Connecticut chapter, featuring an HBCU institution. It is the third Classic (MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta and the HBCU/New York Classic in New York) for the Bison this season.
 
"It's another chance for Howard University to display its brand," notes Scott. "These are two strong academic institutions coming together to play the game."
 
Yale (1-1) is coming off an impressive 38-14 road win over Cornell a week ago. It figures to be a test for the Bison defense, which played its best game the season, despite playing without four starters in the secondary.
 
The Bulldogs are led on offense by freshman running back Joshua Pitsenberger (26 carries, 143 yards, 2 TDs) and their talented junior quarterback Nolan Grooms (23 carries, 113 yards and 23-of-38 for 285 yards and 2 TDs).
 
The Bison will have to pay close attention to senior defensive lineman Osorachukunu Ifesineachukwu (11 tackles, 4 sacks) and junior safety Wande Owens (15 tackles, 2 tackles for losses, a sack).
 
"They are a very well coached team," says Scott of his opponent. "They like to set up things with their run game and their quarterback can hurt you with his legs and his arm. On defense, they play a bend-but-don't-break defense and are very sound in their schemes. We must be disciplined and tough in all three phases of the game. If we do that, we will be fine."
 
BISON FOOTNOTES
 
The Bison pass defense has not allowed a TD pass in the past six quarters of play and only thee all season...Howard leads the MEAC in passing offense and third in total offense...After forcing three turnovers last season, the Bison already have seven on this season...Howard is on the verge of setting a potential modern-day record for average attendance on the season...through four games, the Bison are averaging over 24,000 with a season-high 35,000 in the HBCU NYC Classic...another large crowd is expected for the Saturday's showdown..James, the son of former NFL standout Edgerrin James, scored his first career TD on a 51-yard jaunt against Morehouse with his father in attendance.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
The Bison have another bye week before taking on Harvard, another Ivy League opponent, Saturday, October 15 in the second annual Truth & Service Classic at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The game kicks off at 4 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.