The reigning MEAC champion Howard Bison enters the 2024 season looking to win back-to-back titles for the first time in school history.
Although their regular season was not spectacular, with the Bison finishing 6-5 overall, they did enough to clinch their first berth in the Celebration Bowl.
Howard experienced some significant changes in the offseason, including the loss of star offensive lineman Anim Dankwah, dynamic running back Ian Wheeler, and longtime starting quarterback Quinton Williams.
Still, Howard will be a player in the race for the MEAC title, with running back duo Jarett Hunter and Eden James playing starring roles.
Here are my game-by-game predictions for the 2024 Howard Bison football season.
8/29 Rutgers- [L]
Previous Meeting: Rutgers 52-14, 2016
Howard opens the season traveling to New Jersey for a matchup against Big Ten opponent Rutgers. The last time Howard played Rutgers, it did not go so well, as they were blown out by 38 points. While the margin could be a bit closer this time, the result should remain the same.
Record: 0-1
9/7 Mercyhurst- [W]
Previous Meeting: First
The Bison have a first-time matchup in their second game of the season as they host Mercyhurst in their home opener. Mercyhurst is in its first season in the FCS, transitioning from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) to the Northeast Conference (NEC). Last season, they finished with a 2-9 record, marking their third losing season in a row.
Record: 1-1
9/14 Morehouse- [W]
Previous Meeting: Howard 65-19, 2023
Howard then goes to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to play in the HBCU NY Classic against Morehouse. The last time Howard played Morehouse in the NY Classic, they shut out the Maroon Tigers in a 31-0 win in 2022. Morehouse has no answer for Howard and should provide the Bison a nice tune-up before they head home for their historic rivalry game.
Record: 2-1
9/21 Hampton- [W]
Previous Meeting: Hampton 35-34, 2023
The 99th Battle of The Real HU is next on the schedule for the Bison as they look to get a win over their rival Hampton Pirates. Howard lost seven straight to the Pirates; their last win was in 2014. Last season, the Bison surrendered a 17-point second-half lead, allowing two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 35-34 loss. With momentum firmly on the side of the Pirates, Howard will be fueled by revenge and a sense of urgency to end this long-standing losing streak.
Record: 3-1
9/28 Princeton- [L]
Previous Meeting: Never
Next on the schedule for Howard is a trip to the Ivy Leagues when they go up against Princeton. This will be Howard’s first time playing against an Ivy League opponent since 2022, when they lost 41-25 to Yale. Princeton finished the 2023 season with a 5-5 overall record. One of Princeton’s strengths last season was their defense against the run, allowing just 93.8 yards per game (third in FCS). If Howard cannot make its presence felt out of the backfield, it will be a long day for them.
Record: 3-2
10/12 Sacred Heart- [W]
Previous Meeting: Howard 22-17, 2021
After a week off, Howard will return to work when they welcome Sacred Heart. Howard is no stranger to Sacred Heart, having beaten them in their last outing in 2021. Sacred Heart finished last season with a 2-9 record. On paper, the Bison should come away with the win in this contest.
Record: 4-2
10/19 Tennessee State- [W]
Previous Meeting: Tennessee State 45-0
The Bison play their homecoming game next, matching up with Tennessee State for the first time since 2001. Tennessee State finished with a 6-5 record last season on the back of a historic season by defensive lineman Terrell Allen. However, with the Buck Buchanan Award winner having transferred in the offseason, the Tigers will have a tough time stopping the run game of the Bison. This should be a close, competitive game, but the reigning champions are the favorites to come out on top.
Record: 5-2
10/26 Norfolk State- [W]
Previous Meeting: Howard 27-23, 2023
Howard begins the defense of its MEAC title when they go on the road to face Norfolk State. The Spartans gave the Bison a bit of a scare the last time they faced each other, with Howard needing a 15-point fourth quarter. The Bison sealed the win with a go-ahead touchdown by Jarett Hunter in the final minutes. On paper, Howard is the much better team in this contest, but a lack of focus could result in an upset on Norfolk State’s home field.
Record: 6-2, 1-0
11/2 Delaware State- [W]
Previous Meeting: Howard 17-10, 2023
The Bison then enter their first conference game on their home field when they welcome the Delaware State Hornets. Similar to their game against Norfolk State, Howard escaped with a win over Delaware State by the skin of their teeth, clinching the win with a fourth-quarter interception. Delaware State has not gotten any better since then, so Howard should win much easier this time.
Record: 7-2, 2-0
11/9 South Carolina State- [W]
Previous Meeting: South Carolina State 27-24, 2023
Looking to avenge their only conference loss last season, Howard welcomes South Carolina State to Greene Stadium in its final home game of the year. The Bulldogs pulled off the upset win over the Bison last year, powered by a 17-point third quarter. This will be the first time Howard faces the new look SCSU team with Chennis Berry on the sideline. Howard
Record: 8-2, 3-0
11/15 North Carolina Central- [L]
Previous Meeting: Howard 50-20, 2023
In a matchup between the last two MEAC champions, Howard goes into enemy territory to face a North Carolina Central team with a vengeance on its mind. In the Bison’s only conference contest that didn’t end in a one-possession margin, they steamrolled the Eagles on their way to clinching the MEAC crown. This game could go either way, with both teams having to undergo critical roster changes in the offseason.
Record: 8-3, 3-1
11/23 Morgan State- [L]
Previous Meeting: Howard 14-7, 2023
Ending the year for the Bison is a matchup against their beltway rival, the Morgan State Bears. Last year, Howard squeaked past the best defensive team in the MEAC to clinch the conference title. The question in this game will be what has always been the question for Morgan State: Will their offense show up? If the Bears’ offense can match the production of its defense, they could come away with the win in this contest.
Record: 8-4, 3-2