Howard University delivered one of its most complete performances in recent years, cruising past rival Hampton, 34-7, in the annual P&G Truth and Service Classic presented by EventsDC. A crowd of 18,672 filled Audi Field to witness the 100th meeting between the two programs, as the Bison snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Pirates.
From the opening whistle, Howard (3-1) controlled the game on both sides of the ball. On their first possession, the Bison needed just three plays to go 65 yards, capped by a 38-yard touchdown run from freshman Travis Kerney (Sebring, Fla.)—his first collegiate score.
The defense quickly added to the momentum, setting up another touchdown with a 44-yard interception return. Just 10 seconds into the second quarter, quarterback Kaden Cobb (Naperville, Ill.) executed a flea-flicker, connecting with KD Mosley (Laurens, S.C.) for a 17-yard strike and a 14-0 lead.
Howard’s dominance continued later in the half, as Tyriq Starks (Carol City, Fla.) finished an eight-play, 73-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 20-0 at halftime. The Bison didn’t ease off after the break—Kerney added his second touchdown of the night on an 8-yard run before Billy Roberson (Lake Orion, Mich.) capped another long drive with a 23-yard scoring dash.
The Bison offense piled up 456 total yards, including 289 on the ground, while controlling possession for nearly 36 minutes. Kerney led the way with a career-best 113 rushing yards on 16 carries, plus 26 receiving yards. Roberson added 57 yards and a score, while Anthony Reagan Jr. (Woodbury, N.J.) contributed 44 yards on six attempts.
Starks managed the game efficiently, completing 12 of 15 passes for 165 yards and spreading the ball to eight different receivers. “It’s been a little rough, but we’re starting to build good chemistry,” Kerney said. “The O-line did a great job today opening holes, and Tyriq called a great game.”
Defensively, the Bison swarmed Hampton (0-4), recording seven tackles for loss and three sacks. Kedrick Green (Winston-Salem, N.C.) anchored the unit with eight tackles and an interception, while Ja’Quavion Smith (Wingate, N.C.) added seven tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. “It was a great team effort,” Green said. “We were flying around the ball and everyone was focused.”
With the statement win, Howard looks to keep its momentum going when it travels to Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Sept. 27, to take on the Spiders. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
