WASHINGTON (September 15, 2023)
 
Hampton University (Pirates) vs. Howard University (Bison)
Saturday, September 13, 2023
3:30 p.m. (ET)
Audi Field Stadium
Washington, D.C.
 
THE GAME
 
This is a nonconference battle between the Pirates of Hampton University (1-1) from the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) and the Bison of Howard University (1-1) of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Hampton is coming off a 31-23 loss to in-state rival Norfolk State (Sept. 9) while Howard defeated Morehouse, 65-19, at home Saturday night.
 
THE COACHES
 
The Pirates are coached by Robert Prunty (Alabama A&M, 1988), who is in his fourth season. The Bison are coached by Larry Scott (South Florida, 2000), who is in fourth year.
 
KEY PLAYERS
 
HAMPTON
 
Hampton is led offensively by junior running back Elijah Burris (27 carries, 213 yards, 7.5 per carry), red-shirt senior Darren Butts (24 carries, 165 yards, 2 TDs) and redshirt junior QB Chris Zellous (23 carries, 139 yards, 2 TDs; 28 of 47 passing, 366 yards, 4TDs), redshirt junior wide receiver Ramon Copeland (six receptions, 109 yards and red-shirt senior tight end TK Paisant (5 receptions, 97 yards, 3 TDs).
 
Defensively, Hampton is led by graduate linebacker Qwahsin Townsel (24 tackles, 3 QB hurries) and red-shirt freshman linebacker Ze'marion Harrell (15 tackles, a tackle for a loss).
 
HOWARD
 
Howard is led offensively by senior WR/RB Kasey Hawthorne (12 rushes for 157 yards, 3 TDs; 5 receptions, 58 yards, a TD), graduate running back Ian Wheeler (11 carries, 115 yards, a TD), sophomore running back Eden James (9 carries, 96 yards) and senior running back Jarett Hunter (15 carries, 87 yards, 2 TDs), graduate quarterback Quinton Williams (33-of-50, 399 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs), freshman wide receiver Jamarr Ebron (3 receptions, 90 yards, TD), red-shirt freshman wide receiver Breylin Smith (9 catches 84 yards, 2 TDs). The offensive line is one of the best in the MEAC, is led by senior All-American candidate, graduate offensive tackle Anim Dankwah (Toronto, Canada) and All-MEAC center senior center DeShawn Ingram (Detroit) and sophomore guard Darius Fox (Washington).
 
On the defensive side, senior defensive back Carson Hinton (15 tackles), senior safety Kenny Gallop, Jr. (10 tackles), graduate linebacker Christian White (9 tackles) and junior cornerback Robert Jones III (6 tackles).
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
 
Hampton Coach Robert Prunty: 
 
"We play Howard on Saturday in the Battle of the Real HU. It is a big game for us and for our fans. Howard was co-champion of the MEAC last year and they are a veteran team with a lot of starters back from last year. They are well-coached and they have played well so far. We have three big games to start the season (Grambling State, Norfolk State & Howard.) These are emotional games that mean a lot to us and to our fans. We have been playing hard. We just have to remember to play smart."
 
Howard Coach Larry Scott:
 
"Hampton is a tough, physical team that creates matchup issues for opposing teams. The guys upfront have to be disciplined in regard to their run game and contain Hampton's quarterback.  Field position will also be very important by continuing drives, protect the football (no turnovers this season).
 
As for the game, it is great for both institutions, athletically and community-wise. There is a great amount of pride amongst everyone affiliated with both institutions."
 
LAST TIME THEY MET
 
The two teams met last year in Hampton, Va., and the Pirates came away with a hard-fought 31-28 win. It was the sixth straight win in the series for the Pirates, who lead the series, 55-42-1. In the last two meetings, the two teams have averages over 35 points between them. This is the second time that the two have met in the Truth and Service Classic (2021).
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Former Howard Hall of Fame quarterback Jay "Sky" Walker will provide the color commentary and Tiffany Greene will handle the play by play.
 
The Howard Sports Radio Network will carry the game on WHBC96.3HD3. Veteran announcer Trevin A. Jones will do the play by play, Nathaniel Henry the color and Sareyah Rudd sideline interviews.
 
NEXT UP
 
The Bison have a bye week and will return to action for the first of three straight road games when they travel to take on Robert Morris University Saturday (Sept. 30). Kickoff is set for noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.