WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Howard Bison dominated in all phases Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 34-7 victory over the Hampton Pirates at Greene Stadium.

The Bison, now 2-1 overall, scored on their opening drive and never looked back, while the Pirates fell to 1-3 on the season.

Howard quarterback Tyriq Starks of Carol City, Florida, was highly efficient, completing 12 of 15 passes for 165 yards and adding 27 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. His primary target was running back Travis Kerney of Sebring, Florida, who had a standout performance. Kerney rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries and added 26 yards on three receptions.

The Bison set the tone immediately. After receiving the opening kickoff, Starks engineered a quick, five-play drive that was capped by a 38-yard touchdown run from Kerney to tie the game at 7-7 just over a minute into play.

Howard extended its lead in the second quarter. Backup quarterback Kaden Cobb of Naperville, Illinois, entered the game and connected with tight end KD Mosley of Laurens, South Carolina, on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Starks then added a 15-yard rushing touchdown, though the extra point attempt failed, giving the Bison a 20-7 halftime lead.

The Bison’s ground game continued to control the clock in the second half. Kerney scored his second touchdown on an 8-yard run in the third quarter, and running back Billy Roberson II of Lake Orion, Michigan, broke free for a 23-yard scoring run later in the period to put the game out of reach at 34-7.

Hampton’s offense struggled throughout the game, managing just 7 points. The Pirates’ lone score came in the fourth quarter on a 53-yard touchdown run by quarterback Earl Woods III of Bessemer, Alabama. Hampton’s ground attack was otherwise stifled, with leading rusher Donovan Shepard of Raleigh, North Carolina, gaining 37 yards on 10 carries.

Howard’s defense was disruptive, recording multiple sacks and a key interception by defensive back Kedrick Green of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The unit consistently pressured Hampton’s quarterbacks, with Ja’Quavion Smith and Judah McJimpsey recording sacks.

The final score defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a much closer contest with a final score of Howard 39, Hampton 34. Their ELO system gave Howard a 50.90 percent probability to win.

Howard looks to build on its momentum next Saturday when it travels to face Richmond. Hampton will try to rebound on the road against Elon.