Pittman’s Pocket: Eastern Michigan holds off Howard’s late Surge

Eastern Michigan holds off Howard University Bisons late Surge on Friday night.

Eastern Michigan got off to a fast start against Howard. EMU Junior Quarterback Austin Smith was throwing and running the ball well. Austin finished 19 of 28 for 178 yards and a passing touchdown adding an interception.

Special Teams however were doing well for EMU! THe senior running back Jaylon Jackson scored a 84 yard Kick return, and Hamze El-ZaYat also returned a play for 96 yards.

Howard had a hard time getting anything going in the first half. Howard was down 30-6 at the start of the second, but that was when the Bison came out to play.

Larry Scott and his staff sparked Howard on both sides of the ball, where Eden James and Ian Wheeler both combined over 150 yards. Even Casey Hawthorne finished with 47 yards and a rushing touchdown plus 3 receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.

Howard finished with 398 in total offense behind the strong O-line.

Christian White #25 the senior linebacker and Kenny Gallop Jr #0 were everywhere on the field for the Bison D.

Eastern Michigan Defense kept showing up and they also managed the Clock well. Head Coach Chris Creighton’s top defenders kept showing up when needed against the surging Bison. Players Joe Sparacio #19 Senior Linebacker finished with 10 tackles, and Tim Grant-Randall #98 and #94 Peyton Price each had a sack each.

In Conclusion, Coach Creighton almost let Howard get the W, but instead the Old ball coach finished the game on top 33-23.