Howard University Athletics

DURHAM, N.C. (October 31, 2026) -- Howard University football team played a spirited defensive game but the offensive was not able to generate any productivity, falling to North Carolina Central (NCCU), 34-0, in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
 
The Bison (4-5, 1-1 MEAC) held the high-flying Eagles in check, limiting NCCU to a pair of field goals early on, 6-0. HU held North Carolina Central on downs twice but could not capitalize.
 
But NCCU (4-5, 2-0 MEAC) began to flex, adding the game's first TD. Tyree Saunders capped off a short 28-yard drive with a pass from Nelson Layne; thus, giving North Carolina Central a 13-0 lead at the half.
 
It was all they would need as the Eagles parlayed its vaunted running game and a short passing game to dominate the Bison in the second half.
 
For the afternoon, NCCU held Howard to a season-low 114 yards of total offense. The Bison were held to 64 yards rushing and 12-of-29 passing with two interceptions.
 
The player of the game for the Bison was junior placekicker/punter Matt Conord (Lithia, Fla.), who averaged a career-high 45.0 yards on eight punts.
 
The Bison played without a number of key starters, including graduate quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins (Las Vegas), graduate running back Eden James (Indianapolis) and J. Augustus Olidge (Atlanta), who sat out with injuries.
 
NEXT UP: Howard has a short week, returning home to take on the South Carolina State Bulldogs Thursday night (Nov. 5) at 7:30 p.m., inside Greene Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.