Wednesday, September 21, 2016

HU gets a bye week to prepare for N.C. A&T

HAMPTON, Virginia — Bye weeks rarely come at a bad time, but for Hampton University, the timing couldn't be much better. Following Saturday's 34-7 blowout of Howard, the Pirates will get extra five days to rest, recuperate and prepare for defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion North Carolina A&T.

"I wish I had two (bye) weeks to prepare for them," Maynor said.

A&T, which beat Bowl Subdivision opponent Kent State in its second game, is the team to beat in the MEAC. But in HU's first three games, Maynor has seen plenty to make him believe his team is capable of playing with the Aggies and competing for the conference title.

The Pirates showed flashes in a 54-21 loss to Old Dominion, sustained them in a 24-14 loss to William and Mary, and put everything together in dominating Howard. Some FBS transfers have made immediate contributions, especially on the offensive and defensive lines.

That 33-point loss to ODU? It was a 31-21 game midway through the third quarter. HU was tied with William and Mary, which is now No. 8 in the FCS polls, at halftime. And last week, Howard avoided the shutout by scoring with 13 seconds remaining in the game.

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