As the reigning champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and HBCU runner-up, the Howard University Bison entered the 2024 season with high hopes of defending their crown. However, a 2-2 start, coupled with the injury to key quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins, has left the team searching for answers.
Head coach Larry Scott faces the challenge of keeping Howard competitive while figuring out how to fill the void left by Scroggins’ absence. Can the Bison overcome these setbacks, and what adjustments does Coach Scott need to make to right the ship?
The Struggles: Missed Opportunities and Inconsistent Play
Howard has flashed potential on offense, but inconsistency has kept the Bison from reaching their full potential. In the recent loss to Hampton, a fumble at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter cost Howard a chance to tie the game. These missed opportunities have become a troubling trend for the team.
“We left a lot out there,” Scott said after the Hampton game. “When you don’t execute, when you’re playing games like that, execution has to be at an all-time high.” This highlights Howard’s need to clean up their play in the red zone and capitalize on scoring chances.
Through four games, Howard’s offense is averaging 371.3 yards per game, but turnovers and penalties have hindered their progress. The team has committed 32 penalties for 281 yards, far more than their opponents’ 15 penalties for 125 yards. Correcting these mental mistakes is critical if the Bison hope to get back on track.
The Impact of Scroggins’ Injury
Ja’Shawn Scroggins, a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to extend plays with his legs, was expected to play a key role in Howard’s offense this season. His 7.6 yards per carry average added a dynamic element to the team, and his experience against tougher competition, like FBS opponent Rutgers, made him an important part of the Bison’s attack.
However, with Scroggins now sidelined due to injury, Howard must rely more heavily on Jaylon Tolbert, who has shown promise but has struggled with consistency. Tolbert has averaged 234 passing yards per game and has completed 61.19% of his passes, but his inability to escape pressure—evidenced by his -22 rushing yards—limits his overall effectiveness.
Tolbert’s passing stats are solid, but without Scroggins’ mobility, Howard will need to make adjustments to protect Tolbert in the pocket and keep the offense moving. Coach Scott must design plays that play to Tolbert’s strengths while finding ways to compensate for the lack of a mobile quarterback.
What Howard University Needs to Fix on Offense
- Red-Zone Efficiency:
- The Bison have converted 12 of 19 red-zone trips, but moments like the fumble at Hampton’s 1-yard line show the need for better execution. Improving red-zone performance will be crucial for Howard to turn scoring chances into points, especially with Scroggins out.
- Ball Security:
- Howard’s five turnovers (three interceptions and 2 fumbles) have hurt them at key moments. As Coach Scott emphasized, “The accountability has to be at an all-time [high] and details matter.” With Scroggins unavailable, Tolbert and the offense must be especially careful to avoid costly mistakes.
- Third-Down Conversions:
- Howard’s third-down conversion rate is 39.34%, which needs improvement if they want to extend drives and keep the defense off the field. Tolbert will need to improve his quick decision-making on third downs to help keep the chains moving.
- Penalties:
- The Bison’s discipline issues, with 32 penalties for 281 yards, have hindered their ability to control games. Reducing these penalties is essential to giving themselves a better chance at success.
Defensive Star Kenny Gallop Jr.: Top HBCU defender?
While the offense has faced challenges, the defense, led by Kenny Gallop Jr., has been a strong point for Howard. Gallop has been the heart and soul of the defense, leading the team with 39 total tackles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup in the Hampton game. His leadership and playmaking ability have been key in keeping Howard competitive.
Coach Scott had high praise for Gallop.
“Really great leadership is always the example, not just being vocal. And he does it with his vocal [skills], but week in and week out, his production… speaks for itself.” Gallop’s consistent production makes him a valuable asset, but he needs more support from his teammates to stop big plays.
Howard’s defense has struggled against the run, allowing opponents to rush for an average of 5.0 yards per carry. In the Hampton game, it were gashed by a 53-yard touchdown run by its HBCU rival that proved to be a game-changing moment. Improving tackling and closing gaps on the defensive line will be key as Howard prepares for MEAC competition.
How Can Scott Right the Ship?
- Adapt the Offense for Tolbert:
- With Scroggins sidelined, Coach Scott needs to adjust the offensive game plan to play to Tolbert’s strengths. This may involve quicker passes, better protection schemes, and simplifying the offense to ensure Tolbert can make quick reads and avoid unnecessary pressure.
- Discipline and Execution:
- Howard’s penalties and turnovers are major factors in their inconsistency. Scott stated that the team has to stop being so close. Cleaning up these areas will help the Bison stay competitive, even without Scroggins at quarterback.
- Support Gallop on Defense:
- While Gallop has been excellent, the rest of the defense needs to step up. Improving run defense and limiting big plays will be critical as Howard heads into MEAC play.
Can Howard Stay Near Top of HBCU Landscape?
Even with the injury to Scroggins, Howard University remains a talented team capable of contending in the MEAC. The key will be minimizing mistakes, improving discipline, and adapting the offense to function effectively with Tolbert at quarterback.
“We just have to continue to stay disciplined, focused, and come together as a team,” Scott said.
If the Bison can make these adjustments and get more consistent performances from both sides of the ball, they still have the potential to defend their MEAC title and make a strong run at another chance to win the HBCU crown.