Greenville, SC—October 9--Furman parlayed some big plays on special teams and defense to build a lead and then went on to easily defeat Howard University, 56-14 in a non-conference game at Paladin Stadium before 9,239.

The Paladins (3-2) set the tone early when Adam Mims return a Jeff Miller punt 42 yards to set up a 12-yard touchdown run by Mike Brown just 2:08 into the game.

It did not take Furman long to get back on the board again less than two minutes later.  This time, it was a 29-yard interception return by Sterling Johnson for a score that opened a 14-0 lead.

The Bison (1-5) were unable to move the ball with any consistency and Furman was ready and willing to capitalize.  Jerry Williams capped off a short drive with a one-yard plunge to make it 21-0 with 2:34 still left in the first quarter.

Howard was able to get on the board as quarterbacks Randy Liggins, Jr. and Casey Council combined to engineer an 11-play, 76-yard drive that was capped off with a 3-yard run by Council to end the quarter.  Liggins came up with a big play, a 45-yard pass to Jahmaine Rodriquez to set up the score.

Furman answered on its next possession, taking advantage of good field position and using seven plays to go 57 yards as quarterback Cody Worley took it in from 2 yards out.  The Paladins would go on to score two more times to take a 42-7 lead to the locker room.

"No question about it; the two quick scores was definitely a big factor," said Howard Coach Carey Bailey.  "Furman is what a serious 1-AA team looks like.  This is where we should be and we need to figure out how to get there."

The Bison got the final TD of the game when Darrin Christy capped off a drive with a one-yard bolt.  It was Christy's first career TD.

Charles Brice, who came into the game with 257 yards and three TDs in the last two games, led Howard with 59 yards on 17 carries.  Freshman quarterback Randy Liggins, Jr. had a good outing in his second start, completing 8 of 14 for 147 yards, all career highs.

The Paladins were led by reserve quarterback Derrick Dakota, who led all rushers with 92 yards and two TDs.

NEXT UP:  Howard has a bye before returning to action on October 23 against North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC while the Paladins travel to Birmingham, AL to take on Samford next week.