Howard Bison Host Morgan State For HU Homecoming

INTERNET BROADCAST: ESPN3  -  1 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After a big road win at Delaware State (DSU), Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team return to the Mecca where they host Morgan State (MSU) for HU Homecoming. Kickoff starts 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.

SPORTSfever will be broadcasting the game live. Phil Schoener will handle play-by-play duties with color analyst Emory Hunt and Danielle Podlaski will be the sideline reporter.

Along with the ability to 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's football coverage.



MATCHUP PREVIEW

Saturday's matchup marks the 71st meeting between HU and MSU with the Bears leading the all-time series, 43-26-1, since 1931. Last season, Morgan State defeated Howard, 28-24 in Baltimore; however, the Bison were victorious in their last meeting at Greene Stadium in 2013, 28-14.

Morgan State (1-5, 1-2 MEAC) scored a season-high 48 points in their homecoming win over Savannah State, 48-28. Redshirt quarterback Elijah Staley led the Bears, tossing for three touchdowns in the victory.

"He's a big guy that can make all the throws," London referring to Staley on Tuesday's teleconference. "We're going to have to make sure our rush lanes are in place."

After Week Seven, the Bears rank No. 1 in the FCS in total tackles for loss (59) and No. 14 in passing yards allowed (168.3). Defensively, Morgan State is led by senior Jai Franklin and sophomore Rico Kennedy IV.

For Howard (3-3, 2-1 MEAC), they rank among the nation's best in total offense (19th), rushing (18th) and passing yards per completion (5th). Newton, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player & Rookie of the Week, leads the league in passing yards per completion (17.4).

"I believe confidence has been gained through demonstrated performance," London said. "He's been able to get the ball to our playmakers. He's earned a lot of respect from his teammates."

Anglin and redshirt senior Devin Rollins lead the Bison defense. Anglin, reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Week, has a team-leading tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (3) while Rollins has posted 42 tackles (33 solo), three tackles for loss, a pass breakup and fumble recovery.

LAST TIMEOUT

HU scored 35 points in the second half to dominate DSU, 52-23, at Alumni Stadium. As a result, Howard scored 50 points in a game for the first time since 2014.

"We made a lot opportunities work for us," London stated. "We had more opportunities resulting in big plays. We were able to put together long drives and make explosive plays."

The squad racked up a season-high 628 total yards, including 342 in the air. Freshman Caylin Newton threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns. The Georgia native also rushed for 81 yards in the victory.

Sophomores Kyle Anthony and Jequez Ezzard each had 100-yard receiving performances. Anthony registered a team-high 135 yards on six catches while Ezzard caught four balls for 104 yards in the victory.

Defensively, the Bison recorded 12 tackles for losses and five sacks. Anglin filled the stat sheet with nine tackles (six solo), four tackle for losses, two sacks, and a 96-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

THEME

This year, Howard University celebrates its 150th anniversary with students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni from around the world. The week-long schedule of events includes something for everyone, including the Howard University Homecoming Golf Classic, the incomparable YardFest, and notably the Annual Day of Community Service.

Coach London discussed his experience at Monday's prep rally.

"It was an unbelievable atmosphere," London stated. "I can't describe the energy from the student body. It was amazing."

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

HU hits the road to Orangeburg, S.C. where the South Carolina State Bulldogs await. Kickoff begins 1:30 p.m.

Fans unable to attend will have a chance to follow all the action via Live Video and/or Live Audio.

TICKETS

Single-game tickets for HU Homecoming are available at just $30. To purchase homecoming football tickets, click here.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

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