BOWIE, MD – Bowie State football (1-3, 0-1 CIAA) continues its homestand on Saturday, Oct. 4, welcoming Fayetteville State (2-3, 2-0 CIAA) to Bulldog Stadium for Heroes Day and Gold Rush. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Bowie, Md.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. (ET)
Where: Bulldog Stadium - Bowie, MD
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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
Join us as we honor true heroes when the Bulldogs face the Broncos! From military personnel and first responders to healthcare workers, educators, and more, we'll celebrate their service with special recognitions throughout the day. Plus, don't miss out on our Gold Rush t-shirt giveaway—available while supplies last!
The Series
Saturday's game marks the ninth meeting between Bowie State and Fayetteville State since 2009. The all-time series is tied at 4-4, and the Bulldogs will look to take the edge. The last matchup came in 2024, when BSU dropped a close 24-21 contest on the road in Fayetteville, N.C. Over the past eight meetings, the two programs have squared off three times in the CIAA Championship, with the Bulldogs holding a 2-1 advantage. The most recent title game was on Nov. 13, 2021, when BSU earned a 17-7 victory in Salem, Va.
Graham Takes Third CIAA Weekly Honor
For the third time this season, Bowie State's redshirt senior Samuel Graham has been selected as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Defensive Back of the Week.
Graham delivered another standout performance in the Bulldogs' week four matchup against Winston-Salem State, tallying a team-high 10 tackles, including six solo stops. The Baltimore, Md. native, also recorded a sack for a five-yard loss, forced a fumble, and added a pass breakup.
Scouting the Bulldogs
Bowie State enters the heart of CIAA play with one of the league's stingiest defenses, led by defensive coordinator Avery Williams. The Bulldogs currently rank second in the CIAA in total defense, allowing just 309.0 yards per game, and hold the league's top red-zone defense, limiting opponents to only six scores on 12 trips (50 percent). Graham has been the anchor, leading the CIAA with 9.3 tackles per game (37 total), to go along with 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery returned 53 yards for a touchdown. Up front, Jamal Jones has been one of the most disruptive linemen in the league, ranking third in both tackles for loss (2.0 per game) and sacks (3.5). In the secondary, Elijah McKenzie provides stability and playmaking, sitting second in the CIAA in passes defended (1.75 per game) and adding a 30-yard interception return earlier this season.
Offensively, the Bulldogs average 316.3 yards per contest. The ground game is the driving force, led by Micah Robinson, who ranks second in the CIAA at 75.5 yards per game with 302 yards and a long run of 52. Maximus Jones provides a strong complement, ranking fifth in the league at 60.3 yards per game with 241 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, quarterbacks Malakai Anthony (486 yards, 3 TDs) and Kevin Taylor (166 yards, 2 TDs) combined to throw for 652 yards without an interception. The receiving corps is balanced, with Challenger Valentine (14 rec, 135 yds, 1 TD), Joseph Towler (16 rec, 125 yds), and Ty Lyles (9 rec, 108 yds, 1 TD) leading the way, while Antwain Banks has proven to be a reliable red-zone target with two touchdown catches.
Special teams have been a bright spot for BSU this season. Kicker Chris Coleman ranks fourth in the CIAA in scoring at 6.5 points per game, connecting on 7 of 9 field goals with a long of 35. Lyles also headlines the return game, leading the CIAA in kick returns at 35.0 yards per attempt, including a season-long return of 57 yards.
Scouting Fayetteville State
Fayetteville State, led by head coach Richard Hayes, Jr., has established itself as one of the most formidable defensive teams in the CIAA. The Broncos own the league's top run-stopping defense, holding opponents to just 88.4 rushing yards per game, while also ranking second in interceptions with five on the season. Linebacker Matthew Leach anchors the unit with 38 tackles (7.6 per game), while defensive lineman Shawn Robinson provides pressure up front with three sacks. In the secondary, Amari Best is tied for second in the CIAA with two interceptions, giving FSU a defensive group that thrives on both discipline and big plays.
Offensively, the Broncos average 310 yards per contest, with a balanced approach that complements their defensive dominance. Running back Bryce Council ranks sixth in the CIAA in rushing at 58.4 yards per game and has three touchdowns on the year, including a season-long 69-yard run. Quarterback Demari Daniels adds a dual-threat element, accounting for 679 passing yards and five touchdowns through the air while rushing for 166 yards. After a challenging nonconference slate, the Broncos have found momentum in league play, picking up back-to-back CIAA wins over Elizabeth City State and Virginia State to move into contention early in the season.
Up Next
Bowie State will close out its three-game home stand on Saturday, Oct. 11 when the Bulldogs host the Virginia State Trojans. The matchup will feature Honors Day, Family Day, and a Blackout theme, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. live on HBCUGo.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.
