BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State football team (1-4, 0-2 CIAA) will conclude its three-game homestretch on Saturday, Oct. 11, against rival institution Virginia State (2-3, 0-2 CIAA) at Bulldog Stadium for Honors Day, Family Day, and Blackout. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Bowie, Md., and will be nationally televised game live on HBCU Go.
When: Saturday, Oct. 11 at 1:05 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
Bowie State will celebrate its annual Family Weekend on Saturday, welcoming the families of current students to campus for a full day of activities. A special halftime recognition will honor all Spring 2025 Dean's List recipients. Fans are encouraged to wear BLACK and those in attendance have an opportunity to earn a free Blackout T-shirt, while supplies last.
The Series
Saturday's matchup marks the 16th meeting between Bowie State and Virginia State since 2009. The Trojans hold a 9-6 edge during that span. From 2018 to 2022, the Bulldogs controlled the series, winning four straight while outscoring VSU 136-87. The Trojans claimed the most recent meeting, a 38-17 victory on Oct. 12, 2024, in Petersburg, Va. This year's contest sets the stage for another pivotal CIAA matchup between two longtime rivals.
CIAA Stat Leaders
Scouting the Bulldogs
Bowie State enters the matchup averaging 319.4 yards of total offense per game while allowing 314.8. The Bulldogs' offense is balanced, led by quarterbacks Malakai Anthony and Kevin Taylor, who have combined for 969 passing yards and six touchdowns with just one interception. Wideout Joseph Towler is the top target with 257 yards, while Challenger Valentine and Ty Lyles provide steady secondary options. On the ground, Micah Robinson (327 yards) and Maximus Jones (266 yards) pace the rushing attack.
Defensively, Samuel Graham leads the team with 44 tackles, while Jamal Jones has been disruptive in the backfield with 9.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Special teams have been a bright spot, highlighted by kicker Chris Coleman's 8-of-13 field goals and Ty Lyles' 32.0-yard kickoff return average.
Scouting Virginia State
Virginia State enters the matchup 2-3 overall and 0-2 in CIAA play under head coach Dr. Henry Frazier III, a Bowie State graduate and former Bulldogs head coach from 1999-2004.
The Trojans boast one of the league's most balanced offenses, averaging 434 yards per game, highlighted by quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr., who has thrown for over 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground. Running back Brandon Rose ranks third in the CIAA in rushing, averaging 67.7 yards per game, while the receiving corps is led by Malik Hunter, the CIAA's top-ranked receiver with 328 yards and two touchdowns. Jaylen Pretlow also provides a deep threat, ranking 10th in the CIAA with 210 receiving yards and two scores, while Ajenavi Byrd averages nearly 20 yards per catch.
Defensively, Virginia State is anchored by linebacker Mustapha Coly, who ranks seventh in the CIAA in sacks, and linebacker Cameron Davis, who leads the team with 31 total tackles. Special teams have been led by kick returner Carlos Alvarez, who averages 16.5 yards per return with a long of 53, but the Trojans have struggled in the kicking game, connecting on just three of eight field goal attempts this season.
Up Next
Bowie State hits the road for the first time in nearly a month, traveling to West Virginia to face Bluefield State on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Mitchell Stadium.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.
