McGhee lifts Howard at RFK

Freshman quarterback leads rally to knock off Morehouse

The loudest roars of the afternoon, Saturday at RFK Stadium, came during the wave and at halftime for the bands of Howard University and Morehouse College. As for the inaugural Nations Football Classic between the Division I (FCS) Bison and Division II Maroon Tigers, there was never a dull moment.

In an entertaining game full of big plays and momentum shifts, Howard rallied for a come-from-behind 30-27 victory before 18,409.

Down 20-9 midway through the third period and frustrated on a day when it committed four turnovers and 12 penalties (for 151 yards), several of which wiped out big plays, Howard surged behind quarterback Greg McGhee. The left-hander, a true freshman, completed 22 of 29 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns, and was named MVP.

Everyone has a little butterflies before the game. I just had to get those out, McGhee said of his rough start, which included an interception that set up Morehouses first score. As the game went on I got comfortable. Offensive linemen -- great pocket. I just sitting back there, just throwing the ball, doing my job.

McGhee helped deliver Howard coach Gary The Flea Harrell, the schools all-time receptions leader, his first victory as a head coach.

We needed this desperately, Harrell said. Even though its my first win as a head coach, it was important for our team, for our confidence.

With a new spread offense, propelled by the strong-armed McGhee, the Bison are excited about their potential.

We are in a new regime, going in a different direction, junior linebacker Keith Pough said. We have a freshman quarterback that can throw it 80 yards. I could see his attitude and composure as a true freshman. I think hes going to break all of [offensive coordinator] Ted Whites records.

Midway through the third period, with Howard down by 11, McGhee ignited the comeback on fourth and 8 at the Morehouse 29, finding freshman wideout Brandon Flanagan (6 receptions, 72 yards), a transfer from New Mexico State, wide open for a touchdown.

After senior Lanny Kelly (two interceptions) picked off a pass by Morehouse sophomore Donnay Ragland, Howard traversed 85 yards for another score.

McGhee capped the efficient drive with his second touchdown pass of the afternoon to Willie Carter (7 receptions, 87 yards). The 23-yard completion to a wide open Carter at goal line gave Howard (1-1) the lead for good with 12 minutes, 54 seconds left.

Junior running back Charles Brice (11 carries, 52 yards) accounted for another score, running over a Morehouse back on his way to an 18-yard touchdown jaunt with 6:43 to go that made it 30-20. But his fumble three minutes later, which was returned 13 yards for a touchdown by junior Latavius Watts, opened the door for a last-ditch rally by Morehouse.

After junior Byron Ingram completed a 57-yard strike to senior Derrick Hector in the final minute, Howard had to withstand three anxious plays from their own 25. But senior defensive end Corey Berry ended it with a sack.

I thought our kids fought hard from start to finish, said Morehouse coach Rich Freeman, who led the Maroon Tigers to their first playoff berth last year. We are not going to let Howard beat us twice this year. What I mean is that we are not going to sit and sulk in this loss.

Morehouse burned Howard on the first possession of the second half, junior David Carter (10 carries, 122 yards) sprinting 79 yards for a touchdown, which put the Maroon Tigers (1-1) up 20-9.

But after that, the Howard defense rose behind Pough (10 tackles), who battled cramps that kept him out most of the third quarter, senior tackle Sackie Kerkulah (seven tackles), and sophomore linebacker Markee White (five tackles, sack).

Once Keith got hydrated, he gave us a lift, Harrell said. He came in and played like Superman.

Fired up after his first win, Harrell praised his stars.

In Keith Pough, I got the best linebacker in the MEAC, Harrell said. I got the best receiver in Willie Carter in the MEAC. And I got the best quarterback, Greg McGhee, in the MEAC.

kdunleavy@washingtonexaminer.com^[1]

Kdunleavy@twitter.com

References

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