While the Howard offense continues to search for an identity — the Bison have used five quarterbacks in seven games — the defense has figured out where its most comfortable: deep in its own territory.
Twice in last week’s 26-0 win over North Carolina A&T, the defense stopped the Aggies inside the red zone. The Bison (2-5, 1-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) have made six stands inside their own 15-yard line in the last two games.
“I like the fact that the guys responded to adversity,” said Howard defensive coordinator Ron Bolton. “When you’re backed up — they get the turnover — and you have to go in and defend your goal line. The guys rose to the challenge.”
The Bison have the MEAC’s two leading tacklers, senior linebacker Timothy Lockett and junior linebacker Danual Pearce, but the defense struggled early, allowing an average of 44 points in its first three games. Rutgers had seven rushing touchdowns in its 56-7 win.
Howard has stiffened since. Last week the defense responded to two Bison turnovers by limiting the Aggies to negative yardage. Twice in overtime two weeks ago against Morgan State, the Bison held firm in the red zone, forcing a fumble and a turnover on downs. It was a Bison fumble returned for a touchdown that cost them the game against the Bears, but the defense isn’t pointing fingers.
“The loss just tore us up. We just wanted to inflict that on someone else,” said senior defensive end Rudy Hardie. “Someone had to feel that pain. Every weekend from here on out, everybody we play after this is going to have to feel that wrath.”
Hardie has been a bright spot. The former walk-on leads the Bison with 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
Pearce was named MEAC defensive player of the week after registering eight tackles and an interception against the Aggies. Robert Dowdy, third on the team with 52 tackles, and Edwin Piner (35 tackles) have also shine.
“It felt like a load off our shoulders, but we’ve just got to do it again this weekend and keep it going,” said Hardie of last week’s shutout. “When the red zone comes up, that’s our home. It’s like protecting your house. That’s something where we can’t just let anyone punch it in on us.”
Norfolk St. (3-4, 1-4 MEAC) at Howard (2-5, 1-3)
» When: 1 p.m., Saturday
» Where: Greene Stadium
