Penn Football Preview: Another Chance to Troubleshoot Offense Versus Howard

The University of Pennsylvania football team will try to snap a two-game losing streak when they host the Howard Bison at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. After dropping tightly-contested matchups with Lehigh and Dartmouth, the Quakers are overwhelming favorites to get back on track against Howard, listed at -720 on the money line at FanDuel Sportsbook. The point spread sits at -14.5, while the over/under is at 43.5, a bit lower than average for college football.

ESPN+ will carry the broadcast on an expected mild afternoon in West Philly.

Scouting the Bison

Howard is averaging 17.2 points per game this season as both their rushing (3.0 yards per carry) and passing (5.75 yards per attempt) offense struggle. Senior quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins (64-of-126 for 772 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions) has struggled this season, but he’s a threat to use his legs, averaging roughly six yards per carry when disregarding yards lost to sacks.

His top target is senior Se’Quan Osborne (10 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown); despite Howard’s offensive struggles, they have managed to reel off a trio of passing plays longer than 50 yards.

After Scroggins, Eden James (24 carries for 160 yards and two touchdowns) leads the Bison in rushing. Travis Kerney (44 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown) and Billy Robinson II (28 carries for 92 yards and a score) handle the bulk of the carries, however; Robinson is also capable as a receiver out of the backfield.

Howard’s defense has struggled to make splash plays, pulling down just one interception through five games despite a solid pass rush (2.4 sacks per game).

Scouting Penn

The Quakers’ offense has also struggled: they’re averaging just 12.33 points through three games this season, gaining 3.3 yards per rush and 4.9 yards per pass. They’re able to lean on their defense and are outgaining their opponents both on the ground and through the air, but their inability to find the end zone has them at 1-2 (0-1 Ivy League) on the season.

True freshman quarterback Miles Teodecki (63-of-110 for 544 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions; 27 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown) has shown flashes of potential but hasn’t played a complete game yet. His top target is fellow freshman Mason Page (17 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown), while Donte West and Tommy Lafayette have handled the bulk of the carries despite Teodecki leading the team in rushing.

Playing Howard will give Penn’s offense one last test run to get back on track before the bulk of their Ivy League schedule begins.