Game Notes: Howard and WSSU
FOLLOWING THE
GAME
Stadium
Bowman Gray Stadium (18,000)
Webcast (audio only), notes and more
www.howard-bison.com
Play-by-Play: Ron Harris
Media Notes
The Carey Bailey Show can be seen every Thursday on MASN
Sports at 12:30 pm...Coach Bailey will discuss the previous game
and preview the upcoming game.
Series Information
The Bison hold a 4-2 advantage in the series. Howard
posted a 24-21 win in overtime last season in Greene Stadium.
1985 WSSU 12, Howard
7
1986 Howard 36, WSSU
7
1993 Howard 31, WSSU
10
2005 Howard 20, WSSU
6
2006 WSSU 12, Howard
0
2007 Howard 24, WSSU, 21
(OT)
The Game
This is a non-conference match-up between the Bison of
Howard University and the Rams of Winston-Salem State
University. The Bison (1-3) are coming off a 49-21 win over
Savannah State in the Miami Football Classic in Miami, FL this past
week for their first win of the season. The Rams (0-4) are
still looking for their first victory of the season after dropping
a 43-17 home decision to South Carolina State on Saturday.
This is the last game of a four-game home stand.
The Coaches
Howard Coach Carey Bailey (University of
Tennessee, ‘92) is in his second season after serving as an
assistant at the University Minnesota. Bailey was the
defensive line coach there and under his tutelage, the Gophers led
the nation in turnover margin (plus 1.33). Bailey also gained
a wealth of experience in stints at Oklahoma State, Middle
Tennessee State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Virginia Military Institute
and at West Virginia. WSSU is coached by Kermit
Blount (WSSU, ‘80) is in his 15th season
and has an 87-72-3 record to date. Blount is no stranger to
Howard University, having served as offensive coordinator and QB
coach here from 1984-88.
SETTING THE SCENE
Howard
The Bison are led offensively by red-shirt junior
QB FLOYD HAIGLER (112 of 179, 1,251 yards, 9 TDs,
6 interceptions), senior RB KARLOS WHITTAKER (37
carries, 173 yards carries, 2 TDs), senior WR ARLANDUS
HOOD (35 receptions, 323 yards), freshman WR
WILLIE CARTER (29 receptions, 329 yards, 5 TDs), junior
WR BRANDON SHERMAN (18 receptions, 286 yards, 1
TD) and senior RAMON "RAY RAY" MCELRATHBEY (13
receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD; 14 carries, 97 yards).
Defensively, Howard is led by senior MLB ENDOR COOPER (33 solos, 23 assists, 8.0 tackles for losses, 2 forced fumbles), junior S ARANDO JAMISON (11 solos, 14 assists, 4.0 tackles for losses, a forced fumble), sophomore LBs PATRICK JEAN-MARY (9 solos, 10 assists, 3.0 tackles for a loss) and LB COREY BERRY (8 solos, 7 assists, 2.0 tackles for losses, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery), junior DL JAMES ROBINSON (6 solos, 5 assists, 4.0 tackles for losses), junior S MARTIN CORNIFFE (8 solos, 13 assists, an interception) and junior CB BRANDEN BUFFORD (6 solos, 9 solos, an interception, a fumble recovery).
Bison Hooves
As a team, Howard is 5th in the nation in
passing offense (312.8), 15th in time of possession
(33:18) and 16th in total offense (417.0)...Haigler is
3rd in total offense, tied for 3rd in passing
and 8th in total passing yards...Arlandus Hood is
4th in receptions per game (8.75)...Willie Carter is
10th in receptions per game (7.5) and 29th in
receiving yards per game (82.25)...Brandon Drayton is tied for
19th in punt returns (13.00)...Endor Cooper is
2nd in solos tackles (8.25), tied for 2nd in
total tackles and tied for 3rd in tackles for
losses...in the MEAC, the Bison lead the conference in total
offense, in passing offense, in first downs and in time of
possession...they are 2nd in both 3rd down
conversions and in pass efficiency...individually, Haigler leads
the conference in total offense and in passing
offense...Arlandus Hood is 1st in receptions per game
and 3rd in receiving yards per game...Willie Carter is
2nd in receptions per game and in receiving yards per
game and he is tied for 3rd in scoring...Brandon Sherman
is 5th in receptions per game (4.3) and 4th in receiving
yards per game (76.0)...Endor Cooper, the Pre-season MEAC Defensive
Player of the Year, leads the MEAC in tackles and in tackles for
losses and is tied for 1st in fumbles recovered...Arando
Jamison is tied for 10th in tackles....the Bison have
been outscored, 41-17 in the second quarter...the fourth quarter is
their best, where they hold a 43-30 advantage.
Winston-Salem
State
The Rams are led offensively by junior QB JARRETT
DUNSTON (31 of 67, 351 yards, 1 TD, 5 interceptions),
red-shirt freshman QB TIENNE JEFFERSON (20 of 34,
252 yards, 3 interceptions), red-shirt senior WRs BRYANT
BAYNE (22 receptions, 203 yards, 1 TD) and BRENT
THOMAS (6 receptions, 106 yards), red-shirt freshman
RB NICHOLAS COOPER (45 carries, 178 yards, 2 TDs)
and red-shirt senior RB RODERICK
FLUELLEN (47 carries, 122 yards).
Defensively, WSSU is led by red-shirt junior SS MARCUS COATES (15 solos, 7 assists, 3.5 tackles for losses), red-shirt sophomore DB JARED MITCHELL (18 solos, 10 assists, 2 assists, a tackle for a loss and an interception), freshman DL STEPHEN YOUNG (11 solos, 5 assists, 7 tackles for losses, 5.0 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries), red-shirt junior LBs CHEDRICK MARSHALL (9 solos, 6 assists, 3.0 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks) and MARIO DAWSON (7 solos, 3 assists, 3.5 tackles for losses, a sack) and red-shirt sophomore LB SHAWN KEARNEY (16 solos, 3 assists, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception).
Rams Horns
The Rams have had problems scoring, averaging only 11
points per game...WSSU has also had problems running the ball,
averaging under three yards per carry...the Rams' defense, however,
has been solid, holding its opponents to under three yards per rush
while surrendering only 4 passing TDs...WSSU has had problems in
the turnover area where it is a minus 9.
Noteworthy Debut
Ulysses "Mario" Alexander missed the first two games of
the season, but it did not take the junior from Miami, FL long to
make his presence felt. He entered the FAMU game in the
second half and caught three passes for 52 yards that included a TD
reception where he used his 6-5 height advantage to out-leap his
shorter defender. Then on his return home to Miami last week,
he caught his second TD in as many games. He adds to an already
deep and talented receiving corp.
Freshman Phenom
Willie Carter continues to show that he is no ordinary
freshman. The 6-3, 190-pound native of Denmark, SC had
another outstanding game in the win over Savannah State with 2 more
TDs to add to his team-high of 5. Carter is ranked high among
the top receivers in both the MEAC and in the FCS.
Sleeping Giant
The Howard defense is showing that it is going to be a
force to be reckoned with, both this season and in the future...the
majority of the players are underclassmen, who are developing
nicely under defensive coordinator Andre Creamer's system...Corey
Berry, Patrick Jean-Mary, Robert Parker, IV, James Carter, James
Robinson and Sackie Kerkulah form a solid and improving front while
Arando Jamison, Martin Corniffe, Martin Decembert, Branden Bufford,
Theodore Graham, IV and Lanny Kelly comprise a talented and
aggressive secondary...after surrendering several big plays in the
first half, the Bison forced three straight turnovers on SSU's
first three possessions while holding the Tigers scoreless in the
last 30 minutes.
Quantum Leap
Coming into the season, Arlandus Hood had shown marked
progression each season, catching 4 passes his first season, 12 in
his sophomore season and a career-best 23 last season. But no
one expected Hood to get off to the start he has this season.
The 6-2, 195-pound senior from Long Beach, CA, worked hard in the
off-season and it is paying off handsomely. He has already grabbed
35 passes in four games and is averaging almost 10 yards per
reception. His 12 catches vs. FAMU this was just one off the
school record of 13 held by former Bison standout, Gary "Flea"
Harrell in 1993.
Streaks
The win over Savannah State ended a seven-game Howard
losing streak dating back to last year's win over Norfolk
State. Haigler has passed for over 300 yards in three
straight games. Carter has caught at least one TD pass in
each of the four games played. The Bison are a perfect 9-for-9 in
their last 9 possessions in the Red Zone.
Added Dimension
Each week, Endor Cooper legitimizes his pre-season MEAC
Defensive Player of the Year recognition. The 6-3, 245-pound,
hard-hitting senior middle linebacker from Woodbridge, VA is not
only making a lot of tackles, he is getting a lot of attention from
the media covering the games. His relentless play and some of his
hits have been the topic of press box conversation.
Making a Statement
When one watches Brandon Drayton returning punts, you
sense that it is just a matter of time before he breaks one. The
5-8, 170-pound freshman from Northwestern High School in Miami, FL,
made his debut by returning 3 punts for an average of almost 14
yards that included a 28-yarder that he nearly broke for a score.
He showed even more progress against FAMU, nearly breaking a couple
for big gains. And in the game versus SSU, Drayton's 36-yard
return set up a score. Nicknamed "Quick Six" for his ability
to go the distance in a short span of time, Drayton is averaging
almost 14 yards per return. Stay Tuned.
A Bailey Signature
It did not take Howard Coach Carey Bailey to establish his
philosophy that he is a strong proponent of ball control. The Bison
led the MEAC in time of possession with over 35 minutes per game.
That also ranked in the Top 5 in the country. Despite new personnel
and some changes in the offensive scheme, the ball control factor
remains a constant as the Bison lead the MEAC with over 35 minutes
per game.
Representing
Howard is currently second among all HBCUs in players in
the National Football League with six: Tracy White (Green Bay
Packers), Marques Douglas (Baltimore Ravens), Antoine Bethea
(Indianapolis Colts), Ronald Bartell, Jr. (St. Louis Rams), Brandon
Torrey (Oakland Raiders) and Geoff Pope (Cincinnati Bengals).
The Bison also boasts three former players who are on coaching
staffs: Jimmie Johnson (Minnesota Vikings/TEs coach), Pep Hamilton
(Chicago Bears/QBs coach) and Roy Anderson (Baltimore
Ravens/defensive coach).
Homegoing
Brandon Sherman figures to be especially excited about
this game as he will be returning home. The 5-10, 180-pound
junior wide receiver, who played his prep ball at Parkland High
School, is having his best season. After catching only two
passes all of last season, Sherman ranks third on the team in
receiving with 18 receptions for an average of almost 16 yards per
catch and a TD.
Next Up
The Bison have an open date before they take on the Bears
of Morgan State on October 18 for homecoming at 1 pm while the Rams
have a short week. They travel to Tallahassee, FL to take on
the Rattlers of Florida A&M on Thursday, October 9 in a
nationally televised game on ESPNU at 7:30 pm.
