WASHINGTON (September 20, 2025) - Howard University put on what is perhaps its best all-around performance in recent years, dominating Hampton from start-to-finish, 34-7, in the annual P&G Truth and Service Classic, presented by EventsDC, at Audi Field before an announced attendance of 18,672.
 
Using a combination of some outstanding blocking on offense and a swarming defense, the Bison were never challenged by their bitter rivals, who had won the last eight, including the last three by 11 total points. This was the 100^th meeting between the two schools.
 
Howard (3-1) set the tone on its first possession, taking only three plays for 65 yards with Travis Kerney (Sebring, Fla.) capping it off with his first collegiate TD from 38 yards out, 7-0.
 
Then, the defense took over and used a 44-yard interception return to set up Howard's next score, a 17-yard pass on a flea flicker from Kaden Cobb (Naperville, Ill.) to KD Mosley (Laurens, S.C.) opened a 14-0 lead 10 seconds into the second quarter.
 
After stopping the Pirates, Howard came back a little over five minutes later and went 73 yards on eight plays. Tyriq Starks (Carol City, Fla.) scored on a 15-yard jaunt and gave the Bison a 20-0 lead as they failed to make the conversion.
 
The 20-0 halftime advantage could have held up, but the Bison were not taking any chances as Starks engineered another drive, this one for 75 yards on six plays as Kerney scored his second TD from eight yards out, 27-0.
 
The Bison would add another score, a 23-yard rush by Billy Roberson (Lake Orion, Mich.), to conclude an eight-play, 78-yard drive.
 
The Howard offense racked up 456 yards, 289 courtesy of the ground game. For the game, the Bison recorded almost 36 minutes of ball control.
 
Kerney was the main beneficiary as he rushed for a career-high 113 yards on 16 carries. He added 26 more yards on three receptions. Roberson had his best in a Howard uniform, adding 57 yards and Anthony Reagan Jr. (Woodbury, N.J.) chipped in with 44 yards on six carries.
 
"A lot of credit goes to the O-line because they did a great job today," praised Kerney. "They opened holes and made it easy for the backs. Tyriq also called a great game. It's been a little rough but we are beginning to get good chemistry."
 
Starks continues to improve with his play. For the day, he completed 12-of-15 for 165 yards, and although he did not throw a TD, he spread the ball around, connecting with eight different receivers.
 
On defense, the Bison were flying around the ball, stopping runners in their tracks after short gains or losses. On the day, Howard tackled runners behind the line of scrimmage seven times and sacked the Pirates' quarterbacks three times.
 
Kedrick Green (Winston-Salem, N.C.), who continues to be a factor, finished with a team-high eight total tackles and an interception. But he had plenty of help, including Ja'Quavion Smith (Wingate, N.C.) with seven total tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.
 
"It was a great team effort on defense," noted Green. "Everyone on the field contributed. We were flying around the ball and everyone was focused. We have multiple people on defense who can make plays."
 
NEXT UP: Howard travels to Richmond, Va., Saturday (Sept. 27) to take on the Spiders of Richmond. Kickoff at 2 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.