DOVER, Del. (Interstat) — The Delaware State Hornets used a dominant second quarter and a game-changing defensive touchdown to secure a 26-13 victory over the Howard Bison in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Alumni Stadium.

The win improved Delaware State’s record to eight wins and three losses, while Howard fell to four wins and seven losses. The final combined score of 39 points fell well under the pregame over/under line of 50.5, defying the expectations of a high-scoring affair projected by Interstat’s game simulator, which had predicted a 36-35 Delaware State win.

A sluggish first quarter saw both teams trade punts and penalties, with neither squad able to crack the scoreboard. The offensive stalemate was decisively broken in the second period, as the Hornets erupted for 17 points while Howard managed six.

Delaware State opened the scoring with a 34-yard field goal from Patrick Fisher-Butler with 10:55 remaining in the half. Howard responded with a drive culminating in a 28-yard field goal by Matt Conord to tie the game at three.

The Hornets then seized control. Quarterback Jayden Sauray of Lanham, Maryland, engineered a touchdown drive, capping it with a 5-yard rushing score. Following a Howard punt, the Hornets’ two-quarterback system, which also featured Kaiden Bennett of Sparks, Nevada, moved the ball efficiently. The drive ended with Ryan Pellum Taylor of Long Beach, California, taking a rush four yards for a touchdown with just 29 seconds left in the half, extending the lead to 17-3.

Howard managed a late drive, setting up a 32-yard field goal by Conord as time expired in the second quarter to trim the deficit to 17-6 at the intermission.

The game’s pivotal moment arrived late in the third quarter. With Howard driving deep in Delaware State territory, Bison quarterback Tyriq Starks of Carol City, Florida, was intercepted by Hornets defensive back Wayne Favors III of Miami, Florida. Favors III returned the interception 91 yards for a touchdown. The failed point after attempt left the score at 23-6, but the play effectively crushed Howard’s momentum.

Delaware State added to its lead early in the fourth quarter with a 39-yard field goal from Fisher-Butler, making it 26-6.

Howard finally found the end zone with 2:32 remaining in the game. Starks connected with receiver Andre Cooper II of Orlando, Florida, on a 60-yard touchdown pass. Cooper II was a bright spot for the Bison, finishing with four receptions for 117 yards and the score.

The ensuing onside kick attempt was recovered by Delaware State, which then ran out the clock to seal the victory.

Starks finished the game completing 21 of 39 passes for 252 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while also rushing for 13 yards. Antonio Hunter of Cincinnati, Ohio, was his primary target, catching eight passes for 81 yards.

For Delaware State, the offense was a collective effort. Sauray passed for 144 yards and a touchdown, while Bennett provided a spark with his legs, rushing for 30 yards. The ground game was led by Marquis Gillis of Milford, Delaware, who rushed for 92 yards on 16 carries. Terrence Rone of Houston, Texas, was the top receiver with three catches for 90 yards.

Defensively, the Hornets were led by the two interceptions, with Jadarrius Perkins of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, joining Favors III with a pick.

Howard will look to rebound next Saturday when it hosts Norfolk State. Delaware State, continuing its pursuit of a strong season finish, will be at home to face South Carolina State.