HAMPTON, Va. – For the first time since 1995, Howard claimed the Battle of the Real HU in a series that had become a one-sided battle for the past 15 years. After the dust had cleared,  Howard left Armstrong Stadium on Saturday with a 10-7 win over Hampton.
 
Hampton (5-4, 4-3 MEAC) seemed like it was out of sync the entire first half, as the Pirates were unable to get on the scoreboard. As for Howard (5-5, 4-3 MEAC), the Bison were able to get in the red zone, but couldn't convert as the Pirates defense forced a turnover and prevented the Bison from scoring.
 
Hampton's defense held the Bison out of end zone on two different occasions and forced Howard to attempt a field goal on both. The Pirates defense also forced a fumble in the end zone late in the game, which became the only score of the day for Hampton.
 
Howard scored the only points of the first half when quarterback Greg McGhee run in from two yards out midway through the second quarter to put the Bison up 7-0.
 
Hampton's defense came out in the second half looking like a new team, as the Pirates were able to hold Howard to just 76 yards of total offense: 10 yards passing and 66 yards rushing.
 
The Bison were able to get three points off of a 23-yard field goal by Parker Munoz after the Pirates turned the ball over on downs. Howard got the ball on the 6-yard line, but was unable to move the ball from that point due to the efforts of Hampton's defense.
 
The Pirates would get on the scoreboard late in the third quarter, when Hampton's William Nacouzi forced a fumble in the end zone and Charles Owens recovered the ball for the touchdown to cut Howard's lead to 10-7.
 
The Pirates would get as close as the 2-yard line, but they could not get in for the score and kicker Taurean Durham's 21-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
 
Hampton was held to a season-low seven points, as they managed just 122 yards of total offense, with 16 yards coming on the ground and 106 yards in the air.
 
The Pirates defense was led by DeVonte Hawkins and Delbert Tyler, who both finished with a game-high 18 tackles.
 
Howard was able to control the clock, rushing the ball 67 times for 179 yards – which allowed them to maintain possession for 41:19. Howard also finished the game with 132 passing yards.
 
The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday, as they host the Hornets of Delaware State at 1 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.