And just like that, college football is back!
- Result: Howard University def. Alabama A&M University, 31-24
- Next Week: Richmond University at Howard University — (9/5 at 6 p.m.), Miles College at Alabama A&M University — (9/5 at 7 p.m.)
If the 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff is any sign of what is to come down the line in the Celebration Bowl, then college football fans have a lot to look forward to.
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, Howard University Head Coach Larry Scott and the Bison traveled down south to meet the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Center Parc Stadium. After ending the 2025-2026 season with a 29-point win against Norfolk State, the Bison carried their offensive momentum into the new year. The Bison forced a three-and-out to open the game before getting the ball back, marching down the field, and punching it in with a one-yard pass from Ja’Shawn Scroggins.
Howard did not let their foot off the gas, forcing two consecutive three-and-outs and a turnover on downs while Matt Conord punched in two field goals to extend their lead to 13-0. Then, the tide turned. Alabama A&M’s Imari Conely broke for a 43-yard rush before being brought down at the 26-yard line. Two plays later, 26-year-old quarterback Cornelius Brown IV connected with Jarel Williams for a 26-yard touchdown that cut Howard’s lead to a touchdown. Before the end of the quarter, Howard and Alabama A&M each countered with quick scoring drives to leave things at 20-14 at halftime.
Unlike the first half, the third quarter was marked by defense. With neither team able to get things going, the score remained at 20-14 until Ja’Shawn Scroggins connected with Se’Quan Osborne on a 16-yard completion that put the Bison squarely into field goal range. The squad from the nation’s capital inched ahead to a 23-14 lead, but the Bulldogs were far from finished.
Brown IV and Alabama A&M opened the final quarter with an 11-play, 80-yard drive that cut the Bison’s lead to the smallest it had been since the first quarter — two points. With momentum on their side, the Bulldogs stifled the Bison’s offense, stopping the run and sacking Scroggins before forcing a punt. Getting the ball back near midfield, Brown IV and running back Kolton Nero put together a balanced attack that resulted in a field goal and allowed the SWAC contenders to take the lead for the first time.
Unfortunately, Alabama A&M Head Coach Sam Shade and his squad hadn’t done enough to stave off the Bison completely. With less than three minutes of game time left, Scroggins found Osborne for a 51-yard touchdown that would seal the deal, pushing the Bison toward a 1-0 start. Meanwhile, the boys from ‘Bama will need to regroup and look to pick up their first win against Miles College at Louis Crews Stadium next week.
