BOWIE, Md. – The No. 23 Bowie State University football team will open Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference play Saturday, Sept. 25, when the Bulldogs travel to Livingstone College for a 4 p.m. kickoff at Alumni Stadium.
Bowie State has won 11 straight league games dating back to the 2018 season as the Bulldogs will play their first conference opponent since 2019.
Saturday's game will be the 31st meeting between Livingstone (0-3) and Bowie State (2-1) on the gridiron. Although LC holds a 18-12 all-time series record over BSU, the Bulldogs have won four out of the last five matchups, including the most recent game in 2015 where Bowie State dominated in a 45-17 decision at home in 2015.
BSU will look to extend their winning streak to three, coming off a quality road win at New Haven, 27-13 last Saturday. That win was also the first time Bowie State defeated New Haven in program history as BSU was previously 0-3 all-time against the Chargers. The Bulldogs proved why there are ranked nationally with their defense setting the tone against UNH, forcing three turnovers and holding the Chargers to 16 yards rushing while posting a couple of sacks.
Senior Ja'rome Johnson (Washington, D.C.) finished 12-for-20 for 176 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 17 times for 24 yards and a touchdown. Seniors Victor Olayinka (Glenarden, MD) and Isaiah Rainey-Nix (Montgomery Village, MD) posted three receptions apiece for 55 and 46 yards, respectively, while as Rainey-Nix posted the Bulldogs second reception touchdown on the day.
Redshirt junior Joshua Pryor (Baltimore, MD), junior Demetri Morsell (Upper Marlboro, MD) and graduate senior Simeon Gatling (Greensboro, NC) all registered six tackles apiece to lead the Bulldogs defense. Pryor also tallied two tackle for losses and a sack while Morsell gathered a tackle for loss and pass breakup.
It's no surprise the Bulldogs lead the conference in defense as their opponents are averaging just 21.3 points per game with a defensive efficiency of 76-percent as well as sacks (14). In fact, Bowie State is second in the nation in defensive touchdowns (3), including two fumble return touchdowns and one interception TD through three games. Additionally, the Bulldogs are also top-10 in rushing defense (185 opponent rushing yards).
The Blue Bears have lost their last three games entering Saturday's contest. LC is averaging just 19 points per game while their opponents average 42. In total offense, the Blue Bears have combined for 495 yards while their opponents have tallied a scorching 837 through three games.
Livingstone is coming off a 34-32 loss to Allen (SC) last weekend. Lazar Anderson went 21-for-36 for 334 yards and three touchdowns while Lasirto Bryant caught five passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Two players finished with eight tackles apiece in the setback for the Blue Bears featuring Jaden Echols and Terrance McPherson, Jr.
Fans can follow live score updates on Bowie State Athletics social media platforms @BSU_Sports_Info on Twitter and @bowiestatebulldogs on Instagram.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.
