HOUSTON, Texas -- Howard University came up with its best all-around performance of the season, resulting in a 40-6 win over Texas Southern in a non-conference game at BBVA Compass Stadium.Fits it was the offense. On the Bison's second possession, Anthony Philyaw capped off a 75-yard drive with a 30-yard run that left the Tigers and his teammates with their heads shaking. The 6-1, 210-pound freshman, took the handoff from quarterback Greg McGhee deep in his own backfield, started to his left only to run into a crowd of several players. Within seconds, he emerged from the pile and raced 30 yards for the game's first TD with 10:37 on the clock.
Texas Southern (2-9) answered and put together a short drive, but it was the defense's turn as it stiffened and forced the Tigers into a Eric Medina 43-yard field goal to get to within 7-3 at the 3:49 mark of the first period.
Howard (5-6) turned the ball over to Texas Southern on its next possession, giving the Tigers good field position and an opportunity to take the lead. But the Howard defense again stood tall and made the hosts settle for another Medina field goal, this time from 18 yards out.
That was as close as the Tigers would get. From there, the Bison began to take control of the game. Sophomore placekicker John Fleck, who has been in a slump of late, nailed a 26-yard field goal. Then Philyaw capped off a short drive with his second TD of the game to up the mark to 17-6 at the 6:25 mark of the second period. It was Philyaw's 10th rushing TD of the season and 11th overall.
"The effort of the special teams was there," said a pleased Howard Coach Ray Petty. 'They covered well. They stayed in their lanes and they played with a lot of discipline."
He continued. " Offensively, we did a good job of controlling the ball and putting the ball in the end zone and the defense forced turnovers. I was pleased with the all-around effort."
The Bison would strike again a little over four minutes later when McGhee connected with Brandon Flanagan from seven yards. It was only fitting that would finish off the drive. The 5-8 senior had set up the score with a 72-yard punt return, the longest of his career.
Howard was not finished. On its last possession before the half, McGhee connected with Stewart Hartman from 19 yards to take a comfortable 30-6 lead to the locker room.
In the second half, the Bison played conservatively, content to run the ball and let its defense control the game. The defense, which forced a season-high six turnovers, finally capitalized when red-shirt junior safety Cameron Alston returned a fumble 32 yards for a TD, the first of his career.
"We had a great day today," said Alston, who leads the team in tackles. "I was pleased with the secondary. We got great pressure from the D line and we also made plays when we had to in the secondary. I caught a lot of pressure from my coaches about not making plays early in the season. I was expected to be a great player and leader on the team, so I have been really focusing on ball drills lately." Alston also had an interception, giving him three in the past four games.
Fleck closed out the Bison's highest point total of the season on a field goal by Fleck.
The Bison rolled up 458 yards of total offense and accumulated 248 yards on returns.
McGhee was 14 of 29 for 190 yards and 68 yards on 12 carries.
"We moved the ball up and down the field," said McGhee. "When we get the opportunity in the Red Zone, we have to cash in. We did a better job today scoring on those opportunities."
Quarterback Homer Causey of Texas Southern led all rushers with 159 yards on 18 carries and added 105 more on passing.
Box Score
NEXT UP: The Bison will close out the 2013 season next Saturday when it travels to Hampton, VA to take on the Pirates of Hampton at 1 pm.
COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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