| Year: | 2017 |
| Team: | Howard Bison |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |
| Short Conf: | MEAC |
| Record: | 7–4 |
| Conf Record: | 6–2 |
| Head Coach: | Mike London |
| Hc Year: | 1st |
| Off Coach: | Brennan Marion |
| Oc Year: | 1st |
| Codef Coach1: | Vince Brown |
| Codc1 Year: | 1st |
| Codef Coach2: | Chip West |
| Codc2 Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | William H. Greene Stadium |
The 2017 Howard Bison football team represented Howard University as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by first-year head coach Mike London, the Bison compiled an overall record of 7–4 with a mark of 6–2, tying for second place in the MEAC. Howard played home games at William H. Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C.
The Bison opened the season by defeating UNLV, a 45-point favorite, in the biggest upset in college football history by point spread.[1]
The Bison opened their 2017 season on the road against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent UNLV in Whitney, NV. Despite being a 45-point underdog to the Rebels, the Bison were able to leave Las Vegas with their first win over a Division I FBS opponent in the program's history.[4] [5] Following the win, media outlets immediately hailed it as the greatest upset in college football history against the spread.[6]
In his collegiate debut, freshman quarterback Caylin Newton completed 15 of 26 passes for a total 190 yards; he threw 1 touchdown, a 1-yard pass in the 2nd quarter, and 1 interception. Newton was also able to display his abilities on the ground by leading in rushing yards with 21 carries, 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior running back Anthony Phillyaw ran for 71 yards on s completions for 2 touchdowns. Phillyaw was also the top receiver with 3 receptions, 62 yards, 20.7 yards per reception.[7]
See also: 2017 Kent State Golden Flashes football team.
After their first win over an FBS team in program history, the Bison were looking to make lightning strike two weeks in a row with a win over Kent State. Kent State's fourth quarter rally, and an interception by Kent State's Demetrius Monday gave the Golden Flashes the win.[8] The Bison recorded 432 yards of total offense, including 226 yards passing and 206 yards Rushing. Quarterback Caliyn Newton threw 9 for 22 completions with a total 225 yards passing including 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Other standout performers include: Running Back Anthony Philyaw who ran for 147 yards rushing on 20 carries, including 1 touchdown and receiver Jequez Ezzard who recorded 120 yards.[8] [9]
On National Signing Day, Howard signed 23 athletes out of high school for their 2017 recruiting class.[10]