Delaware State University(DSU) rolled up 374 total yards, including more than 200 on the ground and two rushing touchdowns, to beat Howard University on Saturday and extend its winning streak to five games.
It marks DSU’s longest streak since 2007, when the Hornets finished 10-2 and went 9-0 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.
The Hornets improved to 4-0 in MEAC play behind another strong outing from league rushing leader Marquis Gillis, who ran for 92 yards. Gillis has garnered over 1,000 rushing yards this season on 173 carries.
The game remained scoreless until the second quarter, when both teams traded field goals to tie it at 3. Quarterback Jayden Sauray broke the stalemate on a nine play 68 yard drive, capping it off with a rushing touchdown.
After a defensive stop, the Hornets stung again this time on a four-yard reverse to redshirt freshman receiver Taylor Pellum. Sauray finished the game completing seven of 13 passes for 144 yards, with wideout Terrence Rone accounting for 90 of those yards.
Delaware State’s defense held Howard to just 43 rushing yards. Jadarrius Perkins posted five tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack, and added an interception. Though the Bison totaled 252 passing yards, their momentum fizzled after a 91-yard pick-six by Wayne Favors III in the third quarter.
Howard quarterback Tariq Starks later connected with Andre Cooper II for a 60-yard touchdown, but the Bison couldn’t close the gap and fell 26-13.
Head coach Desean Jackson said postgame that despite the win, the Hornets left points on the table.
“We knew coming in it would be a tough battle,” Jackson said. “Our style of ball — we didn’t play it today. We were successful and got the ‘W,’ but on offense we got into the red zone and were four of nine. They called back three or four touchdowns. We continuously made bonehead mistakes, but we will get better and we will clean it up.”
The Hornets now sit atop the MEAC, tied with South Carolina State — their next opponent. DSU will host the Bulldogs in a matchup that will decide the MEAC conference champion. That game is scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m this Saturday November 22.
