WASHINGTON (November 17, 2017) - Beginning the year with a historic win over University of Nevada Las Vegas, Howard University’s football team (7-3, 6-1 MEAC) has had one amazing season. Ending the season last year with a 2-9 record, the team did not arrive at their current 7-3 record by sheer luck. This Bison team has come together as a result of strategic hiring and recruitment, determination, resilience, and relentless teamwork.  

It has been five years since the Bison enjoyed a winning season. 24 years have passed since their last MEAC Championship in 1993, before many on the current Bison team were even born. The success of 2017 comes as a surprise to most; however, not only is HU winning but they are dominating in their fight to prove they have earned their right to compete in post-season playoffs. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Mike London the football team is relishing in accomplishments:

    -No. 1 Total Offense in the MEAC/No. 19 Overall

    -No. 2 Scoring Offense in the MEAC/No. 32 Overall

    -No. 2 Passing Offense in the MEAC/No. 39 Overall

    -No. 1 Rushing Offense in the MEAC/No. 15 Overall

Those statistics only provide a glimpse of the team’s full achievements. Individually, the team has an additional list of player feats. Sophomore Jequez Ezzard is the nation’s best wide receiver in yards per catch. Senior Anthony Philyaw is the MEAC preseason Player of the Year. Quarterback Caylin Newton has had a breakout start, setting a new single-season HU record in total offense. That record was previously held by QB Greg McGhee back in 2011. Additionally, Newton ranks first among Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) freshman.

There is much at stake in the preservation and defense of Howard’s turnaround season. As the No. 2 team in the MEAC, Howard is looking for a win on Saturday against rival Hampton. If N.C. Central (7-3, 5-2 MEAC) defeats N.C. A&T (10-0, 7-0), an HU victory on the Pirates’ turf will cement Howard as MEAC co-champions.

With no MEAC championship game, and N.C. A&T headed to the Celebration Bowl, the underdog Bison team is seeking an at-large berth into the FCS Playoffs. The at-large selections will be announced on Nov. 19. The Bison are hoping that their fate matches their fight, as they close out the season with proof that the mission is indeed possible.

The Hampton Pirates and Howard University Bison will face off on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. in Armstrong Stadium in Hampton, Va. Fans can follow all the action via live stats or live video (PPV). Additionally, fans can listen to the game live with play-by-play from Trevin A. Jones and his color analyst Tiffany Hoyd. Tune in to the WHBC96.3HD3; SiriusXM Channel 142; or Resident Network Channel 51 for all Bison football coverage.

Media inquiries can be directed to sports information director, Derek Bryant, derek.bryant@howard.edu.