Howard Homecoming Comeback Falls Short

Howard Football’s Comeback Efforts Fall Short on Homecoming
Bison come up short against South Carolina State

(Photo Credit – Mark Coleman)

 All information was sent from official Howard Press release 

WASHINGTON (October 27, 2018) – After erasing an early deficit at Morgan State, Coach Mike London and the Howard University football team were unable to complete the comeback on homecoming as they fell to South Carolina State (SCSU), 27-21, at Greene Stadium in front of a sold out crowd.

With the setback, HU dropped to 3-4 (3-2 MEAC) on the season while SCSU moved to 3-5 (3-2 MEAC) overall.

Entering Saturday’s showdown, the Bison were ranked No. 1 in total offense, averaging 506.8 yards per game, but the Bulldogs held HU to 320 yards offensively.

“They did a good job of doing what they needed to do to win the game,” London stated. “It’s a shame we started out so slow and then came on in the second half, but credit goes to Coach [Oliver] Pough and his team.”

Junior wideout Jequez Ezzard (College Park, Ga.) missed most of Saturday’s game due to injury.

“When you have one of your better players that’s limited, we didn’t want to do something that could jeopardize his health long term,” London explained after the game. “So, it’s next man up mentality for us.”

Despite a tough day finding rhythm, sophomore tailback Dedrick Parson (Philadelphia, Pa.) continues to shy with another outstanding performance. The Philly native finished with 93 yards on 14 carries, including a pair of rushing TDs.

“Dedrick [Parson] is a former walk-on who is a great young man,” said London. “During the season, [he] has been the offensive player of the week for us twice so he’s earned the touches. He runs hard, and really loves the game of football. That kind of mentality with a kid who wants a chance, and we’re going to give him the opportunities.”

South Carolina jumped out to a 17-0 advantage until Parson burst up-the-middle for a 35-yard touchdown and put HU on the board before intermission, 17-7.

With under 10 minutes remaining, SCSU’s Tyrece Nick extended the Bulldogs’ lead to 20 points, 27-7, but the Bison refused to go away.

Sophomore signal caller Caylin Newton (Atlanta) found junior wide receiver Damion Gillespie (Singapore) for a 65-yard bomb and trimmed the margin to a two-possession game with more than nine minutes left, 27-14.

With less than two minutes left, Parson scored his second TD of the game and cut the deficit to six, 27-21.

With time dwindling, Coach London went for the onside kick and recovered the ball; however, illegal formation on the Bison erased the play. HU tried the attempt again, but South Carolina State pounced on the ball to seal the game.

“We must go back to work and make sure we take care of ourselves,” London expressed. “We got arguably the best college football team in the HBCUs, and No. 1 in the MEAC coming to our place [next Saturday].”

On Nov. 3, the Bison wrap up its brief two-game home stand when Florida A&M comes calling. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.

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