BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State Bulldogs (2-5, 1-3 CIAA) looks to gain momentum against the Virginia Union Panthers (5-2, 4-0 CIAA) in a Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association (CIAA) matchup on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will air live on Bulldog Sports Network.
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Where: Bulldog Stadium - Bowie, Md.
Watch: Bulldog Sports Network
Live Stats: Click Here
Tickets: Purchase Here. BSU Athletics Ticket Office will sell tickets the day of game
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Follow on Instagram: @BowieStateBulldogs
Clear Bag Policy
Fans will only be able to carry the following style and size bag into the stadium all of which are subject to search.
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags, measuring 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap
• All other bags will not be permitted. A list of prohibited bags includes but is not limited to: purses, backpacks, drawstring bags that are not clear, briefcases, coolers, fanny packs, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases, and diaper bags. Guests are encouraged to return unauthorized items to their vehicles. Bowie State University cannot safeguard items that are not permitted into the stadium.
Gameday Promotion
Bowie State Athletics is encouraging fans to wear gold for this year's Gold Rush/Healthcare Appreciation Day. BSU will honor members working in various aspects of the healthcare industry throughout the game.
The Series
Saturday's game will be the 14th meeting between Virginia Union and Bowie State, dating back to 2009. The Bulldogs own the all-time series, 8-6, and have won three out of the last five meetings.
Last Outing Between the Bulldogs and Panthers
Last time out, BSU fell to VUU 52-3 in their last meeting on Oct. 14, 2023, inside Hovey Stadium in Richmond, Va. Virginia Union struck early while playing stifling defense scoring two touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. The Bulldogs fought back adding a field goal in the second quarter, but the Panthers answered by adding two more touchdowns for a score of 28-3 at halftime. BSU would not score in the second half as VUU's defense would prove to be too much for the Bulldogs to overcome. The Panthers added two more touchdowns and a field goal for a score of 49-3 at the end of the third. Virginia Union kicked one more field goal to close out the game reaching the final score of 52-3.
A Win Over Virginia Union Would...
• Secure Bowie State's second conference win this season.
• Be the Bulldogs' third win at home this season.
• Head coach Kyle Jackson's first win against Virginia Union.
• Be the Bulldogs' first win over the Panthers since 2021.
Three Bulldogs Named for CIAA Weekly Honors
For the first time since 2022, Bowie State had three players named in this week's Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association (CIAA) Football Players of the Week announced by the league office Monday afternoon. Redshirt freshman, Kevin Taylor was named quarterback of the week, sophomore Micah Robinson was named offensive back of the week, and redshirt senior Justin Zavala was named special teams player of the week.
The Waldorf, Md., native Taylor, led Bowie State's offense in the 54-0 victory against Bluefield State. Taylor completed 17 passes for a career-high (73.9%) completion rate totaling 189 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Taylor also showed his dual-threat capabilities, adding 46 rushing yards on seven carries. This is Taylor's second CIAA honor this season.
Robinson, who hails from Baltimore, Md., had a career day on the ground against Big Blue. Robinson tallied 147 all-purpose yards (89 rushing yards, 58 receiving yards) and found the endzone the most for BSU with three total touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing). This is Robinson's first CIAA honor.
During the Bulldogs' shutout victory against Bluefield State, the Bowie, Md., native Zavala was booked and busy. Zavala had three punts totaling 127 yards, with all three punts being inside the 20-yard line. He also had nine kickoffs for 491 yards, averaging 54.6 yards on each kickoff. This is Zavala's first CIAA honor this season.
Scouting Bowie State
The Bulldogs' defense continues to dominate the opposing team's rushing attack. BSU's defense has only allowed 720 rushing yards through seven games, which is the second-best mark in the CIAA conference. Senior Sadiq Salawu ranked second in the CIAA in solo tackles with 41 on the year, while junior Jamal Jones's three-and-a-half sacks lead this BSU defense.
Last Time Out for the Bulldogs
Bowie State dominated Bluefield State in their last game on Oct. 19th, 54-0, inside of Bulldogs Stadium. The Bulldogs' defense was on full display, shutting out Big Blue throughout the game. On BSU's first drive, they drove the length of the field and scored a touchdown then followed it with another touchdown to end the first quarter with a score of 14-0. After a 10-play drive, Bowie State added another touchdown and followed it up with a one-play 58-yard trick play for a touchdown heading into halftime with a score of 27-0. BSU added two more touchdowns and a field goal in the third quarter to extend their lead to 44-0. The Bulldogs added a field goal and recovered a fumble for a touchdown to end the game with a score of 54-0.
Scouting Virginia Union
The Panthers have the best rushing attack in the CIAA conference, rushing for a total of 1,720 yards. Senior Jada Byers is the conference leader in rushing yards with 972 yards on the season. Senior quarterback Mark Wright is also ranked first in the conference for completion percentage with (66.4%) on the season. VUU's defense is headlined by junior Shamar Graham, who has 69 tackles which is the second-best mark in the CIAA. Anchoring the defensive line is senior Issac Anderson, whose 11.5 tackles for loss is ranked second in the conference.
Last Time Out for the Panthers
Virginia Union traveled to Lincoln, Pa., and dominated walking away with a 63-12 against Lincoln University (PA) on Saturday, Oct. 19., inside LU Football Stadium. VUU opened the game up with a 43-yard passing touchdown and followed it up with another touchdown to close out the first quarter 14-0. The Panthers kept their foot on the gas adding three more touchdowns through the air heading into halftime with the lead 35-0. The Lions found the endzone twice in the third quarter but missed two extra points while the Panthers added three touchdowns to end the third quarter 49-12. VUU scored one last time to close out the game with a score of 63-12.
Up Next
Bowie State will travel to Elizabeth City, Nc., for a CIAA matchup against the Elizabeth City State Vikings on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. from Roebuck Stadium.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.
