ATLANTA (December 16, 2023) - Howard University played its best defensive game of the season, turning 16 points off turnovers, but in the end, the Bison could not generate enough offense as they fell, 30-26, to Florida A&M University (FAMU) in the Cricket Celebration Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
 
Howard (6-6) came out of the blocks fast and got a big boost when graduate return specialist Ian Wheeler (Houston) returned the opening kickoff 63 yards to set the game's first score, an eight-yard run by senior running back Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.).
 
On the Rattlers (12-1) next possession, the Bison forced a fumble that they converted into a three-yard burst by senior wideout Kasey Hawthorne (Sebring, Fla.) with 10:04 on the clock in the first quarter.
 
FAMU appeared rattled and had problems generating any offense as Howard forced them into three and outs.
 
Then, the Rattlers woke up and responded with Terrell Jennings three-yard run that capped off a 46-yard drive and closed the deficit, 14-7, with 13:20 remaining in the second quarter.
 
Then, Howard answered with another defensive gem, this on a safety by graduate defenisve lineman Darrian Brokenburr (Manassas, Va.) in the end zone to give his team a 16-7 lead with 9:37 left in the second quarter.
 
Sensing the moment, the Rattlers put together a short drive and capped it off with a 41-yard field goal by Cameron Gillis to cut the deficit, 16-10, at intermission.
 
Neither team was able to score in the third quarter but the Rattlers put together a drive and capped it off with a 21-yard hookup from Jeremy Moussa to Kelvin Deanto take the first lead of the game at 17-16 with 13:45 remaining in the fourth.
 
Still unable to move the ball effectively against the fired-up Rattler defense, FAMU capitalized with another Moussa to Dean TD pass from 53 yards, 24-16.
 
The Bison, who have found ways to battle back all season, went on a 43-yard drive that capped off with a 40-yard field goal by sophomore Aaron Bickerton (Stoke-on-Trent, England).
 
The Bison wasted little time, scoring less than two minutes later, again courtesy of the defense as senior defensive back Carson Hinton (Detroit) took a Moussa pass and raced 27 yards untouched to give Howard the lead, 26-24, with 7:14 left in the fourth quarter.
 
Then, the Rattlers went on what would prove to be the game winner, going 66 yards on only four plays, the capper a 38-yard strike from Moussa for his third TD of the day.
 
There was still 5:46 left on the clock for the Bison to work, but graduate quarterback Quinton Williams (Upper Marlboro, Md.) was intercepted twice.
 
It was the first Celebration Bowl appearance for both schools.
 
Sophomore running back Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) led Howard with 55 yards on 12 carries. Williams was 14-of-27 for a season-low 106 yards and three interceptions. He came into the game with only four all season.
 
The Bison defense limited the Rattler to 68 yards on 35 carries but Moussa was 19-of-32 for 289 yards and three TDs and two interceptions.
 
Wheeler finished with three kick returns for 124 yards. Bickerton averaged over 42 yards on five punts and made good on his only field goal attempt, making him 9-for-9 on the season.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.