HU's defense has stepped it up the last three games but has a big challenge this week

HAMPTON, Virginia  —  Oddly enough, the first sign came in a 45-31 loss to North Carolina A&T on Oct. 3. You'd never guess it from the score, but Hampton University's defense played pretty well that day.

Two of A&T's touchdowns came on returns — one punt, one fumble recovery. The Aggies' four touchdown drives covered a combined 73 yards, with three of them starting inside the HU 15.

A&T had more yards in punt returns (203) than it did from scrimmage (187), which is how the Aggies handed the Pirates their most-lopsided loss of the season.

But that day sparked a turnaround in HU's defense, which has played three solid games in a row going into Saturday's trip to No. 16 William and Mary. In that stretch, the Pirates have allowed 240 total yards a game — and 3.7 yards per snap.

In the last eight quarters, HU's defense has scored more touchdowns (two, both on fumble recovery returns) than it has allowed (one).

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