The Howard Bison (4-6, 1-2 MEAC) take on the North Carolina Central Eagles (6-3, 2-1) on Friday, Nov. 15 in MEAC action. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and can be seen live on ESPNU.
NC Central is still vying for the MEAC crown, while Howard has been disappointing over the last four weeks. Now, the Bison are just hoping to avoid another losing season.
We have a unique situation here, as both of these teams are coming in off a loss to South Carolina State their last time out.
The projected line for this matchup has NC Central as a favorite of 14 points with a total projected at 52.5.
Let's dive into my Howard vs. NC Central predictions and college football picks for this FCS clash on Friday, Nov. 15.
Howard vs NC Central Prediction
- Howard vs. NC Central Pick: NC Central -14
My NC Central vs. Howard best bet is on the Eagles to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at DraftKings, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Howard vs NC Central Odds
| Howard Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -108 | 52.5 -110 / -110 | +600 |
| NC Central Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -118 | 52.5 -110 / -110 | -1250 |
- Howard vs NC Central Point Spread: Howard +16.5 (-108) · NC Central -16.5(-118)
- Howard vs NC Central Total: Over/Under 52.5
- Howard vs NC Central Moneyline: Howard +600 · NC Central -1250
Howard vs NC Central Preview
Howard Bison Betting Preview: Lacking Explosiveness
SC State defeated Howard last week by a score of 38-14 in a game that could have been uglier for the Bison. They were outgained by 150 yards in the game and fell into a 21-7 hole by halftime.
Howard came up with defensive stops inside its own 30-yard line to stay in it three times in the first half, but the Bulldogs blew it open in the second half.
The Bison have been extremely underwhelming offensively this season while lacking big-play ability.
Their quarterback play has been average at best, as Ja’Shawn Scroggins is completing just 54% of his passes with an 8:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
The NC Central defense has been solid against the pass this year, allowing just 161 yards per game and a completion percentage of just 58%.
The Bison are run-oriented, and running back Jarett Hunter is having a solid season with 696 yards and five touchdowns, but the explosiveness hasn't been there.
NC Central Eagles Betting Preview: Plenty of Edges
NC Central is coming off a bye week and lost on the road last time out against South Carolina State. The Bulldogs were in firm control early and raced out to a 17-0 halftime lead. NC Central actually made a late second-half push and had a chance to take the lead before a turnover ended the drive.
South Carolina State has been the best team in the MEAC, and NC Central had been playing really good football before running into that buzzsaw.
NC Central quarterback Walker Harris has been a difference-maker this year for the Eagles. It was a hard enough task replacing program record-setter Davius Richard, but Harris has done well to fill the big shoes left behind.
Harris has completed 62% of his throws with a 17:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Receiving threats Joaquin Davis and Markell Quick are big-play threats who can gain yards in bulk, unlike Howard.
While Howard's pass defense numbers look solid, the competition needs to be considered. The Bison's last five opponents before SC State are all offensively challenged foes who don't present anything close to the offensive attacks of SC State or NC Central.
Howard vs NC Central Pick & Prediction
I would lay the points with NC Central in this matchup. The Eagles are the significantly more talented team and play better in all three phases.
I have concerns about Howard being able to move the football through the air during passing situations. The offensive line for has been overwhelmed at times and has surrendered 23 sacks this year, along with 63 tackles for loss.
NC Central has found ways to force pressure, resulting in 23 sacks and 13 interceptions defensively. I would expect a lot to be put on Scroggins' shoulders in passing downs, but he should struggle to make accurate throws and extend drives here.
The Eagles also have one of the top third-down defenses in the MEAC, allowing conversions on just 30.5% of attempts.
Howard has a tendency to attempt fourth-down plays frequently, and those attempts have proven to be futile more often than not. The Bison are just 10-for-26 on fourth down this year, and NC Central will likely welcome those fourth-down attempts all game.
I look for big plays for NC Central offensively through the air and for the Eagles to post a big number here.
The talent gap is wide, and the MEAC is a league where the top teams in the league typically beat the lower-tier teams by four touchdowns, not two.
Pick: NC Central -14
Howard vs NC Central Start Time, TV Channel, How to Watch
| Location: | O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium, Durham, NC |
| Date: | Friday, Nov. 15 |
| Kickoff Time: | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPNU |
Howard vs NC Central Weather
