Full Breakdown
HBCU NYC Classic: Howard vs. Morehouse Football Matchup
9/14/2025, 1:36:57 AM
Overview of the Event
On September 13, 2025, Howard University will face Morehouse College in the annual HBCU NYC Classic at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on HBCU Go, with additional coverage available on local channels such as Fox 5 DC and New York 55.
Team Performance and Context
Both teams enter the game with contrasting records. Howard (1-1) is coming off a significant 55-7 loss to Temple, following a narrow victory over Florida A&M, where quarterback Tyriq Starks played a pivotal role. In that game, Starks completed 17 of 28 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. Conversely, Morehouse (0-1) seeks to recover from a 45-9 defeat against Johnson C. Smith University, where quarterback Miles Scott threw for 262 yards but struggled with turnovers, recording three interceptions.
Historically, Howard has dominated the rivalry, winning the last seven encounters, including a 35-21 victory in the previous year’s matchup. The Bison lead the overall series 28-10-2 since their first meeting in 1923.
Key Figures
- Howard University: Head Coach Larry Scott is in his fifth season, leading a team that includes quarterback Tyriq Starks and a strong offensive lineup.
- Morehouse College: Head Coach Terance Mathis, in his second season, aims to improve his team's performance against a Division I opponent.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Larry Scott emphasized the importance of focusing on his team's performance, stating, "It's not about Morehouse; it's about us. We look forward to the matchup." Meanwhile, Coach Terance Mathis expressed a sense of readiness, noting, "Playing against a Division I opponent in Howard will give us an idea of where we are as a football team."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the game, some critics point to the disparity in competition levels between the two programs, with Howard competing in the FCS and Morehouse in Division II. This has led to skepticism about the competitiveness of the matchup.
What's Next
Following the HBCU NYC Classic, Howard will continue its season with games against Hampton, Richmond, and others, while Morehouse will host Kentucky State in their home opener. Both teams are looking to build momentum as the season progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's not about Morehouse; it's about us. We look forward to the matchup. In essence, we have a lot of work ahead of us and we embrace the challenge of getting better one play at a time.” — Larry Scott, Head Coach, Howard University
- “Going into the HBCU NYC Classic for the second time, I feel a little bit more ease about it and what to do. Playing against a Division I opponent in Howard will give us an idea of where we are as a football team. Just looking forward to a good game.” — Terance Mathis, Head Coach, Morehouse College
This matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit of HBCU football but also serves as a platform for showcasing talent and tradition within these storied programs.
