Howard 16, NC A&T 0

October 22, 2005

Washington, DC—October 22—Darrell Turner passed for one touchdown and ran for another to lead Howard University to a 16-0 win over North Carolina A&T (3-5 overall, 2-3 in the MEAC) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Greene Stadium before 10.508.

A 6-5, 235-pound red-shirt freshman from Philadelphia, PA, Tunrer connected with Jarahn Williams from 37 yards out for one score and later scored on a one-year plunge to give the Bison (4-3 overall, 1-3 in the MEAC) their first shutout in 33 games, dating back to 2002 when they blanked Norfolk State, 21-0.

“We had no doubts about Darrell doing the job,” explained Howard Coach Ray Petty. “He knows the system, so we stuck with the game plan to have him manage the offense. Once he settled down, he made some big plays for us.” Turner was starting in place of senior quarterback Ronald Venters, the MEAC’s leading passer, who suffered an elbow injury in last week’s loss to Morgan State.

The teams played to a scoreless tie in the first quarter as neither offense was able to move the ball effectively. But Howard came alive in the second half when Turner completed his first pass of the game, which resulted in a TD to Williams at the 9:54 mark.

Turner was aided by the running of senior running back Keon Coleman, who rushed for a career-high 162 yards on 28 carries.

“We were able to make some plays off play action,” said an excited Turner following the game. “Because Keon was able to have the success running the ball, it took pressure off me and fortunately I was able to make some plays.” Two possessions later, Turner put together a 6-play, 79-yard drive and capped it off by following the middle of the offensive line into the end zone. Howard had the PAT blocked, but led 13-0 at the half.

From there, Bison defense, which came into the game ranked Number 6 in 1-AA in total defense, dominated play, limiting North Carolina A&T to minus 5 yards rushing and only 105 yards of total offense. It marked the third time this season that Howard has held an opponent to minus yards rushing and the fifth time in seven games that an opponent failed to reach 100 yards rushing.

North Carolina A&T quarterback Orrick Watkins who was 11 of 21 passing for 102 yards, but he fumbled twice and was intercepted twice before leaving with an injury.

Brandon Sweeney of the Aggies came into the game with 472 yards rushing, but was held to 15 yards on 12 carries.

“Our defense has played well all season, so it is no surprise,” said Petty. “Our defensive coordinator (Keith Gilmore) does a great job with our schemes in preparation for our opponents.”