Howard Bison's Comeback Bid Falls Short In 28-21 Loss To The Richmond Spiders

Skylar Nelson / WinSports

The Howard Bison managed to erase a 20-point deficit against the No. 23 Richmond Spiders, rallying to the pull together a one-touchdown score game. However, it was two costly special teams mistakes that ultimately kept Howard from completing the comeback, as they fell 28-21 to Richmond in their home opener on Saturday at Greene Stadium.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Howard sparked their comeback rally when linebacker Gabe Stephens recovered a Richmond fumble in the end zone early in the third quarter. The Bison's offense followed with an 84-yard scoring drive, capped by quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins' 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Hunter. This scoring drive cut Richmond's lead to 20-14.

Howard continued their fight, responding to a Richmond touchdown with a 75-yard, 14-play drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Billy Roberson II. The score cut Richmond's lead to 28-21 with 11;35 remaining in the game.

But it was two special teams mistakes that derailed Howard's comeback. A muffed punt gave Richmond the ball at the Bison 29-yard line which led to a touchdown. Later, a penalty for running into the punter gave Richmond another chance to keep the ball and run out the clock.

The Howard Bison now turn their attention to their toughest test of the season yet, facing the defending national champion Indiana Hooisers on Saturday Sept. 12, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET.