BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State football team (2-7, 1-6 CIAA) came up just short in a 28-27 nailbiter against Elizabeth City State on Saturday afternoon. Despite three rushing touchdowns from Savion Witherspoon and a 97-yard interception return by Tommie McKoy, III, the Bulldogs were unable to hold off a late Vikings rally.

The Bulldogs struck first in the second quarter when quarterback Witherspoon capped a 65-yard drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Chris Coleman added the extra point to make it 7-0 at the 10:20 mark. The Vikings quickly answered with a touchdown pass from Navian Hilliard to Ka'Trez Bracey to even the score at 7-7.

Witherspoon and the Bowie State offense continued to roll late in the half, as the sophomore signal caller found the end zone again on a 7-yard keeper with just over a minute remaining. Coleman's PAT gave BSU a 14-7 advantage heading into halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Witherspoon added his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon, punching it in from two yards out to extend the Bulldogs' lead to 21-7. Moments later, the Bowie State defense delivered a momentum-shifting play, Tommie McKoy, III intercepted a pass from Hilliard and raced 97 yards for a touchdown, putting BSU ahead 27-7.

However, ECSU rallied late. The Vikings cut the deficit to 27-14 with a score late in the third quarter and then added two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 33-yard strike from Hilliard to Joe Griffin, to take a 28-27 lead. Bowie State's final drive reached midfield, but the Bulldogs were unable to convert on fourth down, sealing the narrow Homecoming loss.

Bowie State Top Performers

Savion Witherspoon
• 81 rushing yards on 12 carries
• 3 rushing touchdowns
• 139 passing yards on 16 completions

Maximus Jones
• 86 rushing yards on 22 carries
• 29 receiving yards on one catch

Tommie McKoy, III
• 1 interception
• 97-yard interception return for a touchdown

Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Lincoln University, Pa., for their season finale against the Lions of Lincoln (PA) in a CIAA contest on Saturday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at LU Athletics Stadium.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.