|
College Game Day |
Final |
| Bowie State | 16 |
| Virginia State | 44 |
Bulldogs Come Up Short in a 44-16 Loss to Virginia State
Homecoming game in Bowie, MD, the Bowie State football team suffered a 44-16 defeat against the visiting Virginia State Trojans. This loss marked the first homecoming setback for Bowie State since 2014, when the Trojans defeated them with a score of 24-14 on Oct. 7.
With this victory, the Trojans improved their record to 6-0 for the season and maintained a perfect 4-0 standing in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. On the other hand, the Bulldogs dropped to an overall record of 3-3 and 2-2 in conference matchups. Virginia State holds a 1-0 record in the Northern Division, while Bowie State stands at 0-1.
Bowie State took a 6-0 lead in the game by scoring on their first drive. However, the Trojans quickly responded, taking a 9-6 lead. The Bulldogs managed to regain the lead with a seven-yard touchdown run, making it 13-9. Virginia State then fought back, establishing a 23-13 lead. Bowie State narrowed the gap with a field goal just before halftime, making it a 23-16 game. However, the Bulldogs were unable to score again in the game, while the Trojans added 21 more points to secure their victory.
Some notable game notes include Virginia State outgaining Bowie State 541-167 in total yardage, while the Bulldogs won the turnover battle by intercepting two passes. Bowie State scored 13 points in the first quarter, accounting for 81.2% of their total score. The Bulldogs converted 3 of 13 third-down attempts, while the Trojans found success on 5 of 13. Cameron Chesley led the Bulldogs with ten tackles, and Justin Zavala punted eight times for an average of 45.4 yards per punt, pinning the Trojans inside their own 20 four times. Bowie State also scored on an 86-yard kickoff return. Additionally, the Bulldogs forced one red zone turnover, collected nine tackles for loss, and recorded two sacks. Jordan Davis led the Trojans’ passing attack, completing eight of his 17 attempts for 96 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Kymani Clarke led the Virginia State rushing attack with 244 yards and four touchdowns.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will travel to Richmond, VA, to face Virginia Union at Hovey Field on Saturday, Oct. 14. Throughout history, Bowie State has a 17-20-1 record against the Panthers, dating back to 1979. Virginia Union claimed a 27-24 victory over Bowie State in Bowie, MD, last season
