A Recap of the HU v HU game, and the win that fans didn’t expect
Throughout last Saturday night and Sunday morning, memes, drags and disses littered social media pronouncing Hampton University’s football win, and claiming it as the “Real HU”. However, these sentiments were not widely foreseen prior to viewing the second half of the game. For much of the classic on Saturday, Hampton was losing.
Annually, “HU” alumni and students alike, look forward to attending the tense rivalry game between Hampton, and Howard University. Custom outfits are created, ‘decorative’ posters drawn, and seats reserved in preparation for this game. For many, its importance comes second only to homecoming. Whether or not you claim Hampton as the “real HU”, or Howard, belonging to either of these schools will solidify the importance of this event.
For the past few years the Hampton athletic department has held on to the dignity of being the best “HU” football team. According to the Hampton University Athletics page under “Football History”, the team had a 6 year consecutive win streak before Saturday’s game. Therefore, it came as a surprise for some, when Howard held a seven point lead at halftime.
However, the staggering loss that Hampton had for a large part of the game did not come as a shock for all of the fans. Many became aware of the possible ineligibility for many of the team’s experienced players. Users on college social media app Fizz–where anonymous statements can be made about one’s school– posted their concerns. They noted how supposed ineligibility amongst some players put doubt in their confidence that the team would win the classic.
In Micheal Sauls article –“Hampton University athletic director says ‘multiple’ athletes do not meet NCAA eligibility requirements” –from The Virginian Pilot, it is noted of the work that Athletic Director Anthony Henderson is doing to insure all athletes become eligible. Sauls article notes that alleged issues with ineligibility were across a number of sports, not solely football. This matter affected the Norfolk State University game the previous weekend, and likely the HU v. HU game as well.
Despite uncertain feelings surrounding the competency of the football, on Saturday evening we were shown the true talent and determination the athletes held. Revived from the booming sounds of Hampton’s Marching Force, both the football team, and crowd, held a new energy in the second half of the game. Yet in the third quarter Howard maintained its lead, beginning with seven points, over the Pirates, then increasing it to ten, by the time the fourth quarter began. Yet in the final quarter, fans saw something few had hope left for: a possibility that Hampton could get back in the game.
A touchdown was made by receiver Paul Woods, with 8:04 on the clock, bringing the score from 28 Pirates, 31 Bison. The student section of Hampton University erupted, and the band began playing various songs. Their message to Howard: We are not done yet. Showing the Bisons what that really meant Hampton went on to score another touchdown with 3:02 remaining, gaining them a win against Howard.
Hampton was awarded with an official trophy of the Truth and Service Classic, and bragging rights for the next year. Yet, as we know, next fall in 2024, thousands of eager fans will gather at Hampton University’s Armstrong Stadium, for yet another battle of the “real HU”.
