Washington, D.C.- The Maroon Tigers traveled to DC this past weekend to face Howard University and dropped a loss by a score of 65-19.
The fact that these two prestigious institutions have a history dating back to 1923 on the football field shows the longevity and significance of this rivalry. Meeting 38 times over the years adds to the depth of competition between the two teams.
Last season's game in the inaugural New York Classic game seems to have been quite an event. Although the Bison came out on top with a 42-0 victory, the Maroon Tigers' ability to hold them off until late in the third quarter and going into halftime with a 0-0 score indicates that they put up a strong defensive effort. It suggested that the Maroon Tigers had the potential to be a competitive force in this rivalry, and future matchups between these two teams will likely continue to draw attention from fans and supporters of both institutions.
Facing a tough opponent like Howard University, who amassed over 600 yards of total offense, can be a tough challenge. It's evident that the Bison had a strong start, especially with their running back delivering two touchdowns and Kasey Hawthorne adding two more in the first quarter. Nevertheless, it's encouraging to hear that the Maroon Tigers were able to find some momentum by scoring right before halftime. Building on this momentum is crucial for any team, and it shows the determination and fight within the team.
The individual performances of running back Zion Bouie, who had 115 rushing yards, and Derrach West, who had two rushing touchdowns, are definitely bright spots in an otherwise tough game. These players' contributions will be important as the team progresses through the season.
The fact that this non-conference game won't count against the Maroon Tigers in terms of conference standings means they still have a chance to pursue the championship season ahead in conference play.Their upcoming game in the 2nd annual New York Classic against Albany State is an opportunity for the team to regroup and work towards their conference goals. They look to build on their strengths and continue to improve throughout the season.
Game day is set for Sept 16 at 3:00pm in Met Life Stadium. The match up can viewed on NBC & Peacock TV.
