This was a non-conference match-up between the Bison of Howard University from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University from the Big East. It is the season opener for the Bison while the Scarlet Knights dropped had a decision to the University of Cincinnati.
Though Howard has lately been on hard times; the Bison were perhaps the most undermanned team in FCS last season as they suited up only 49 players, despite that Howard is currently second among all HBCUs in players in the National Football League with five: Tracy White (Philadelphia Eagles), Marques Douglas (New York Jets), Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis Colts), Ronald Bartell, Jr. (St. Louis Rams) and Geoff Pope (Cincinnati Bengals). Rutgers is itself a remarkable story; after having been a Temple-esque sad sack for years Rutgers is a perennial top 25 team.
The Bison (0-1) appeared to grab the momentum early when Lanny Kelly recovered a fumble deep in Rutgers' territory. Floyd Haigler connected with tailback Charles Brice on an 8-yard pass on first down, giving Howard a second- and-2 at the Scarlet Knights' 16-yard line. But the momentum quickly shifted back the other way as the ball slipped out of Haigler's hands and Rutgers recovered at their own 21. From that moment the rout was on. Rutgers drove 62 yards in 6 plays and scored a field goal. Howard moved the ball well initially on their ensuing possession but penalties scuttled that drive after 29 yards were gained.
That is when Rutgers set the tone for the key point of game. The Scarlet Knights (1-1) embarked on a six-play, 82-yard drive as Brooks capped off the drive with a six-yard run.
Still Howard was able to move the ball, gaining 37 yards on its first two plays. But then the Bison were hit with20four straight penalties that stopped the drive and were forced them to punt. It took Rutgers two plays to go 67 yards as Savage connected with Jack Corcoran from 21 yards out. The score was set up by a 46-yard pass play to DC Jefferson.
The Scarlet Knights would go on to ring up 32 points in the second quarter. The Bison were able to get on the board when Haigler connected with Willie Carter, who got inside the cornerback on a slant pattern and maneuvered his way to a 40-yard score.
Rutgers
Offense-
Power Back Jr. Jourdan Brooks look like the short yardage specialist, he pounded out 18 carries for 65 yards and 3 scores.
Defense-
LB and Defensive bell-cow #44 Ryan D'Imperio 6'2 3/8" 244 4.74 est] wasn't bad but he wasn't great he did well at stacking and shedding, but seemed to be 1/2 step slower than I remember. He had 2 solos added 2 me too's and 1.5 TFL.
FS #39 Zaire Kitchen 6'1 1/8 217 was one the defensive stars 3 solos 5 assists and was in the right position to turn many potential bigger gains back into teammates.
DE #99 Jr. Jonathan Freeny’s two sacks showed his quickness and hips, he is 6'2 1/4" 249, 4.68 40. 3 of his 4 tackles were TFLs, he has a little Trent Cole to him.
Notes: Tom Savage, 6'3 5/8" 222 4.91, [HS combine] in his first start, played the first series of the third quarter before retiring 8-of-13 for 223 yards and the two TD passes. Howard's 3-4 defense was not too much of a test since they seemed to have reduced their normal variety of fronts and blitzes perhaps trying to stay sound. Perhaps only Matt Bakley is a more polished looking pro-style freshman QB. His arm feet and head are equal or better that Teel already, he just needs reps.
TB #38 Joe Martinek 6'0 1/2 216 216 4.5 [2006 HS Combine] Reminds me of a Denver TB and not a recent one, but from the Rob Lytle-era, not very big or fast but productive enough. 38 yards on 10 carries, lacks the wiggle and power to even become a a 'poor man's' Leonard.
Freshman RB De'Antwan Williams 5'7 1/4" 202 40 yard-4.38 sec. (2006 PITT Combine) highly suspect 4.49 est. Resembles Maurice Jones-Drew and has benched 395 pounds 14 carries for 89 yards and he has the most upside of any of the Rutgers back trio.
Howard
Offense-
Floyd Haigler 6'2" 212 [4.67 est], a red-shirt senior, had one of his more effective days despite the loss, completing 12 of 27 for 151 yards and a TD while rushing for a career-high 55 yards on 14 carries. Haigler is that kind of guy who could become a solid CFL back up with some work.
Notes-
WR #12 Wilie Carter 6'1" 189 [4.52 est], a sophomore and the 2008 MEAC Rookie of the Year, showed no ill effects of the injury (fractured leg) that cut his season short after six games. He grabbed five passes for 94 yards and drew a pass interference call from the Rutgers' defense. He was by far the best pro prospect on offense for the Bison, he bears watching.