After the defense dominated the play in last week's intra-squad scrimmage, the offense redeemed itself with its performance, scoring two TDs and a field during Saturday's scrimmage in Greene Stadium.

"Overall, I was really pleased with the progress I saw today," said Howard first year head Coach Gary "Flea" Harrell.  "From an organizational standpoint and the sidelines, there was a big improvement."

He continued, "The defense started out strong again, but the offense picked it up and began to play better.  I was especially impressed with the second unit on offense.  Randy Liggins did a good job of moving the ball."

Liggins, who is currently battling freshman Evan Pittman for the backup position, has come on strong in the last week of practice.  The 5-11, 185-pound sophomore from Brea, CA, showed good poise directing two scoring drives that led to a touchdown pass to red-shirt sophomore Clayton Gidron and 37-yard field goal by sophomore placekicker Parker Munoz.

The offense's other TD came on a 35-yard run and catch by senior All-MEAC wide receiver Willie Carter.  The pass came from freshman starting quarterback Greg McGhee.

The running game can be credited with the success of the offensive improvement.  Red-shirt junior Charles Brice, senior Terrance Leffall, freshman Aquanius Freeman and red-shirt sophomore Andra Williams all ran effectively.

"The running game is definitely a plus for us," said Harrell.  "When those guys run the ball effectively, it opens things up.  We were able to have success with play action, screens and draws."

Defensively, Keith Pough continues to play at a very high level.  The 6-3, 240-pound red-shirt junior linebacker made several sparkling individual plays, forcing the quarterbacks into hurried throws, stopping runners behind the line of scrimmage and snuffing out plays on third and short.

Other players who stood out in the team effort were All-MEAC defensive end Sackie Kerkulah, sophomore linebacker Markee White, senior cornerback Lanny Kelly and sophomore safety Julian David.

On a down note, Harrell says that he was very disappointed with the kicking game, which missed four field goal attempts.

The Bison conclude the two a day practice and will begin one a day practices on Tuesday.  Classes begin on Monday.  Howard opens the season on September 3 when it travels to Ypsilanti, MI to take on Eastern Michigan in a 7 pm tipoff.