In a thrilling Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) showdown at Greene Stadium on November 11, 2023, the Howard University football team delivered an outstanding performance to dominate the No. 7 ranked North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles with a final score of 50-20. This impressive victory not only showcased the Bison's resilience but also kept their hopes for the MEAC regular season title alive. Let's dive into the action-packed game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The stakes were sky-high for both teams, particularly North Carolina Central. A victory for the Eagles would have secured their second consecutive MEAC regular season title and a trip to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta next month. On the other hand, the Howard Bison, coming off a disappointing loss to South Carolina State, were in desperate need of a win to remain in contention. The Bison set the tone early when graduate quarterback Quinton Williams led a remarkable 71-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, putting them ahead 7-0. They extended their lead in the second quarter when sophomore running back Eden James broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run, shocking everyone with a 14-0 lead. NCCU's senior quarterback and MEAC Player of the Year, Davius Richard, displayed his skills by dashing 89 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown, closing the gap to 14-7. However, the Bison responded with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Williams to freshman tight end Gavin Harris, further solidifying their lead at 21-7. Just when it seemed like NCCU might gain momentum with an 85-yard punt return touchdown by Brandon Codrington, Howard's aggressive offense surprised everyone. They embarked on an eight-play, 69-yard drive, ending with Williams' 18-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Kasey Hawthorne, making it 28-14 and extinguishing the Eagles' hopes. The Bison extended their lead in the third quarter with a 17-yard touchdown run by senior running back Jarett Hunter. The dynamic Williams-Hawthorne duo struck again with a 65-yard touchdown pass at the beginning of the final quarter, pushing the score to 42-14. Although NCCU managed to score again, Howard sealed the deal with another rushing touchdown from Hunter. This game showcased Howard's all-around excellence, with the offense amassing 521 yards, split almost evenly between rushing and passing. Quinton Williams had a standout performance, completing 23-of-33 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Bison held the Eagles to just 198 yards, with graduate defensive lineman Darrian Brokenburr delivering a remarkable performance. With this dominant win, Howard University keeps its MEAC regular season title hopes alive. The team will host Morgan State on November 18, in what could be a decisive matchup. Additionally, Saturday's game will also be Senior Day, making it an emotional and crucial event for the Bison.
As the Bison continue to display their resilience and determination, the MEAC title race promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle. Stay tuned for more thrilling football action from Howard University!
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