Five keys for DSU football to stay on winning track

The Delaware State football team, fresh off a dominant 28-7 win at Norfolk State last weekend, continues its MEAC road trip Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. with a visit to Howard University.

After losing to Howard by a combined 79-22 count in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Hornets have had HU’s number each of the last three meetings, including twice during the pandemic spring of 2021 and a 30-23 win at Alumni Stadium last October 30th.

Here’s what to watch for as the Hornets try to run their Beat the Bison streak to four games

1. Prepare for two quarterbacks

Howard’s starter is usually senior Quinton Williams, but with Williams sidelined last week, redshirt freshman Jaylon Torbert played very well against Harvard, completing 19 of 26 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. If Williams is unable to go again this week, Torbert will get the nod, forcing the Hornet defense to be ready for all surprises from the 1-5 Bison.

2. DelState DBs on high alert

With two quarterbacks capable of throwing the ball, it’s no surprise Howard is the MEAC’s top passing team (244.5 yards per game), and with three receivers (Antoine Murray, Richie Illarraza and Kasey Hawthorne) with 20-plus catches each already, the Hornet defensive backs must be ready for any one of those three to see plenty of targets Saturday afternoon.

3. A chance to dance for the DSU offense

As the Hornets have the top-ranked defense in the MEAC, the Bison are next to last in yards allowed (380 per game). This is another opportunity for redshirt freshman QB C.J. Henry (Hodgson) and the DelState offense to make use of the short fields the defense will give them.

The Hornets’ four scoring drives a week ago against Norfolk State totaled just nine minutes and 30 seconds of game time, or two minutes and 22 seconds per drive. Against a Howard offense that can match them score for score, being able to hold on to the ball and put points on the board early will be the key.

4. MEAC opener critical for Howard

While the Bison sport a 1-5 record, this is their first conference contest of the season and in a league where six teams reside, every MEAC game is critical. Howard could easily win out and earn a trip to Atlanta and the Celebration Bowl. With that in mind, Delaware State must remember its own conference title/Celebration Bowl aspirations and come out ready to play at a place (Greene Stadium) that has historically been a tough place for the Hornets to play.

5. For Coach Bo

It has been a bittersweet week for the Hornets. While finding solid footing in their conference opener, they have had to counsel each other through the untimely passing of Delaware football legend and beloved assistant coach Bryan Bossard this week.

Coach Bo, as he was affectionately called by his peers and players, will no doubt be on the minds and in the hearts of DelState going forward. Asking young men dealing with a loss that close to play a football game is a tall task, but it’s likely the Hornets will be motivated to win this game, and all others from here on out, for Coach Bo.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Can DSU football keep upper hand against Howard this weekend?