The reigning MEAC champion Howard Bison enters the 2024 season seeking to win back-to-back titles for the primary time at school historical past.
Though their common season was not spectacular, with the Bison ending 6-5 total, they did sufficient to clinch their first berth within the Celebration Bowl.
Howard skilled some vital adjustments within the offseason, together with the lack of star offensive lineman Anim Dankwah, dynamic working again Ian Wheeler, and longtime beginning quarterback Quinton Williams.
Nonetheless, Howard will likely be a participant within the race for the MEAC title, with working again duo Jarett Hunter and Eden James taking part in starring roles.
Listed below are my game-by-game predictions for the 2024 Howard Bison soccer season.
8/29 Rutgers- [L]
Earlier Assembly: Rutgers 52-14, 2016
Howard opens the season touring to New Jersey for a matchup in opposition to Massive Ten opponent Rutgers. The final time Howard performed Rutgers, it didn’t go so properly, as they have been blown out by 38 factors. Whereas the margin may very well be a bit nearer this time, the end result ought to stay the identical.
File: 0-1
9/7 Mercyhurst- [W]
Earlier Assembly: First
The Bison have a first-time matchup of their second recreation of the season as they host Mercyhurst of their dwelling opener. Mercyhurst is in its first season within the FCS, transitioning from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Convention (PSAC) to the Northeast Convention (NEC). Final season, they completed with a 2-9 document, marking their third shedding season in a row.
File: 1-1
9/14 Morehouse- [W]
Earlier Assembly: Howard 65-19, 2023
Howard then goes to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to play within the HBCU NY Traditional in opposition to Morehouse. The final time Howard performed Morehouse within the NY Traditional, they shut out the Maroon Tigers in a 31-0 win in 2022. Morehouse has no reply for Howard and may present the Bison a pleasant tune-up earlier than they head dwelling for his or her historic rivalry recreation.
File: 2-1
9/21 Hampton- [W]
Earlier Assembly: Hampton 35-34, 2023
The 99th Battle of The Actual HU is subsequent on the schedule for the Bison as they appear to get a win over their rival Hampton Pirates. Howard misplaced seven straight to the Pirates; their final win was in 2014. Final season, the Bison surrendered a 17-point second-half lead, permitting two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 35-34 loss. With momentum firmly on the facet of the Pirates, Howard will likely be fueled by revenge and a way of urgency to finish this long-standing shedding streak.
File: 3-1
9/28 Princeton- [L]
Earlier Assembly: By no means
Subsequent on the schedule for Howard is a visit to the Ivy Leagues once they go up in opposition to Princeton. This will likely be Howard’s first time taking part in in opposition to an Ivy League opponent since 2022, once they misplaced 41-25 to Yale. Princeton completed the 2023 season with a 5-5 total document. Considered one of Princeton’s strengths final season was their protection in opposition to the run, permitting simply 93.8 yards per recreation (third in FCS). If Howard can’t make its presence felt out of the backfield, it is going to be an extended day for them.
File: 3-2
10/12 Sacred Coronary heart- [W]
Earlier Assembly: Howard 22-17, 2021
After every week off, Howard will return to work once they welcome Sacred Coronary heart. Howard is not any stranger to Sacred Coronary heart, having crushed them of their final outing in 2021. Sacred Coronary heart completed final season with a 2-9 document. On paper, the Bison ought to come away with the win on this contest.
File: 4-2
10/19 Tennessee State- [W]
Earlier Assembly: Tennessee State 45-0
The Bison play their homecoming recreation subsequent, matching up with Tennessee State for the primary time since 2001. Tennessee State completed with a 6-5 document final season on the again of a historic season by defensive lineman Terrell Allen. Nevertheless, with the Buck Buchanan Award winner having transferred within the offseason, the Tigers can have a tricky time stopping the run recreation of the Bison. This must be an in depth, aggressive recreation, however the reigning champions are the favorites to come back out on high.
File: 5-2
10/26 Norfolk State- [W]
Earlier Assembly: Howard 27-23, 2023
Howard begins the protection of its MEAC title once they go on the highway to face Norfolk State. The Spartans gave the Bison a little bit of a scare the final time they confronted one another, with Howard needing a 15-point fourth quarter. The Bison sealed the win with a go-ahead landing by Jarett Hunter within the remaining minutes. On paper, Howard is the significantly better staff on this contest, however an absence of focus might end in an upset on Norfolk State’s dwelling area.
File: 6-2, 1-0
11/2 Delaware State- [W]
Earlier Assembly: Howard 17-10, 2023
The Bison then enter their first convention recreation on their dwelling area once they welcome the Delaware State Hornets. Just like their recreation in opposition to Norfolk State, Howard escaped with a win over Delaware State by the pores and skin of their tooth, clinching the win with a fourth-quarter interception. Delaware State has not gotten any higher since then, so Howard ought to win a lot simpler this time.
File: 7-2, 2-0
11/9 South Carolina State- [W]
Earlier Assembly: South Carolina State 27-24, 2023
Trying to avenge their solely convention loss final season, Howard welcomes South Carolina State to Greene Stadium in its remaining dwelling recreation of the 12 months. The Bulldogs pulled off the upset win over the Bison final 12 months, powered by a 17-point third quarter. This would be the first time Howard faces the brand new look SCSU staff with Chennis Berry on the sideline. Howard
File: 8-2, 3-0
11/15 North Carolina Central- [L]
Earlier Assembly: Howard 50-20, 2023
In a matchup between the final two MEAC champions, Howard goes into enemy territory to face a North Carolina Central staff with a vengeance on its thoughts. Within the Bison’s solely convention contest that didn’t finish in a one-possession margin, they steamrolled the Eagles on their option to clinching the MEAC crown. This recreation might go both manner, with each groups having to bear essential roster adjustments within the offseason.
File: 8-3, 3-1
11/23 Morgan State- [L]
Earlier Assembly: Howard 14-7, 2023
Ending the 12 months for the Bison is a matchup in opposition to their beltway rival, the Morgan State Bears. Final 12 months, Howard squeaked previous the perfect defensive staff within the MEAC to clinch the convention title. The query on this recreation will likely be what has at all times been the query for Morgan State: Will their offense present up? If the Bears’ offense can match the manufacturing of its protection, they might come away with the win on this contest.
File: 8-4, 3-2
