WASHINGTON (September 8, 2022) – Howard University football team will be looking to build on last week's 31-28 loss at rival Hampton University when it takes on the University of South Florida (USF) Saturday (Sept. 10) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It will be the first meeting between the two schools.
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
You can catch all the action on ESPN+ and on the HU Sports Radio Network, WHBC Radio.  Trevin A. Jones will call the action and Nathaniel Henry will provide commentary.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
The Bison (0-2) again scored the game's first touchdown for the second week in a row, but a failed conversion dampened Howard's momentum.
 
From there, the Pirates reeled off 21 straight points before Howard was able to respond. Offensively, the Bison were able to move the ball effectively on the ground, but some untimely penalties in the red zone proved to be costly.
 
"Overall, we were able to move the ball effectively," said Howard football head coach Larry Scott. "Their defense took away some things in the passing game but we were able to take advantage with our run game. But when they were up, they went to ball control and milk-the-clock mode."
 
Senior quarterback Quinton Williams (Upper Marlboro, Md.) changed the game plan and exploded for 22 fourth quarter points, featuring two TDs in less than three minutes. Williams finished the night, throwing for a career-high four TDs.
 
Trailing by three, 31-28, Howard got one last possession with a chance to either win or tie the game and send it into overtime, but it was not to be.
 
"We just ran out of time," Scott stated. "At the end, it was not what Hampton did, but the clock was our enemy."
 
BISON WATCH
 
OFFENSE
 
The Bison entered the season with several key returnees on offense and based on the unit's second half performance, the offense may have given defensive coordinators more to prepare for.
 
Senior tight end Christion Carter (Detroit) and sophomore wide receiver Nah'shawn Hezekiah (Orangeburg, S.C.) both had coming-out parties in the Hampton game. Carter, a 6-foot-7 senior, caught three passes, two of which went for touchdowns. Hezekiah, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, caught a career-high seven passes for 113 yards and a TD.
 
"Christian gives us a weapon in the pass game," says Scott, who has had much success in developing players at the tight end position during his coaching career. "He is 6-7, 240 pounds and although he is still developing, he is a target in the red zone."
 
He continues, "Hezekiah has good size as well and he is also a weapon for us, especially in the red zone."
 
It is important to note that All-MEAC selection graduate wide receiver Antoine Murray (Miramar, Fla.) had another outstanding performance with five catches for 113 yards, including a 54-yarder that set up one of the fourth quarter scores.
 
DEFENSE
 
Defensively, Howard will be looking to improve.
 
The secondary came up with two interceptions by defensive backs Christian Brown (Boynton Beach, Fla.) and Ray Williams (Detroit). A third was wiped out due to a roughing-the-passer penalty. The Bison now have forced three turnovers in two games, tying the mark for all last season.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
This game will serve numerous purposes beyond what takes place on the playing field: competing in a professional venue (Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers); continuing to further recruit in that fertile area and homecoming for Coach Scott, defensive coordinator Troy Douglas and 13 student-athletes on the team, who hail from the Sunshine State.
 
"This is not about me," Scott stated, who played (1996-99) and coached (2006-12) at South Florida. "It's about these young men getting a chance to play in a great venue like Raymond James Stadium and to showcase the Howard University brand of academics and athletics. It is a great opportunity for the program and the University."
 
The Bulls (0-1), members of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), opened the season last week, losing 50-21 to No. 25 BYU at home. The Bison will have to be aware of standout wide receiver Xavier Watson, who caught five passes for 113 yards against the Cougars, and kick return specialists Jimmy Horn and Brian Battle. The speedy Horn returned an 89-yard kickoff for a TD and Battle averaged almost 22 yards on five returns.
 
"We approach this game focusing on us and what we are able to do as we continue to build this program," explains Scott, in his third season at the helm. "It's another opportunity for us. I was pleased with the improvement from Game 1 to Game 2, but we must cut down on those penalties that hurt us and in our kicking game. I like the direction in which we are headed."
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Howard continues its road journey when it travels to the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., to take on Morehouse College at MetLife Stadium Saturday (Sept. 17) in the HBCU NYC Classic. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast for the first time ever on CNBC.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.