COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Coach Ron Prince and the Howard University Football team kicked off the 2019 season with a tough loss, 79-0, against Beltway foe Maryland (UMD) at Capital One Field in front of 32,761 fans.
Maryland controlled the tempo in all three phases. Offensively, the Terps racked up 628 total yards while, defensively, recording eight sacks. UMD’s special teams capitalize on two early punting miscues and scored on a 40-yard punt return for a touchdown.
“I thought our kids battled and played hard today,” Prince stated after the game. “We got out-coached. We can do a better job as coaches. We were soundly beaten in all phases.”
Howard failed to generate any momentum in the first half, giving up five sacks and were not able to get the ground game going. They had just one first down in the half.
“We were trying to establish the run [at the beginning],” Prince continued. “We tried to open up some of those things in the passing game, but that just wasn’t [meant] to be. It just didn’t work out that way.”
Howard trailed 56-0 at the break and the Terps added three second-half touchdowns and a safety by UMD’s Lavonte Gater to cement the final margin.
The Bison mustered up 68 total yards and four first downs.
Defensively, junior linebacker Quinton Hill (Pittsburgh, Pa.) had a team-leading eight tackles (five solo) while second-year DB John Smith VI (Muskogee, Okla.) added six tackles (four solo) in a losing effort.
The Bison will look to bounce back when they travel to Youngstown State next week (Sept. 7). Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
Courtesy: Howard Athletics
