BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State football team (1-2, 0-1 CIAA) will host Winston-Salem State (2-2, 0-1 CIAA) for its home opener and Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bulldog Stadium in Bowie, Md. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. (ET)
Where: Bulldog Stadium - Bowie, MD
Watch: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here
Tickets: Click Here
Gamenotes: Click Here
Follow on Twitter: @BSU_Sports_Info
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 will kick off the home opener with a celebration of everything that makes the university special, bringing the community together for the start of another year of Bulldog football. Faculty and staff will be recognized and receive one free game ticket, while fans can also pick up a Bulldog football helmet keychain giveaway.
The Series
Saturday's game marks the ninth meeting between Bowie State and Winston-Salem State since 2012. The Bulldogs trail the all-time series by just two games (5-3) and will look to even the count after the Rams claimed the most recent matchup, 28-14, in Winston-Salem, N.C. BSU and WSSU share a rich history of high-stakes matchups, including back-to-back CIAA championship appearances in 2015 and 2016, where both games were tightly contested (17-14 and 43-33)
Scouting the Bulldogs
Bowie State enters week four with a 1-2 overall record and a 0-1 mark in the CIAA. The Bulldogs rank fourth in the league in total defense and fifth in offense, while boasting the CIAA's top red zone defense, holding opponents to just three touchdowns in nine trips.
Offensively, Bowie State leans on its ground game led by junior running back Micah Robinson, who ranks third in the conference with 222 rushing yards, averaging 74.0 per contest. He is paired with Maximus Jones, who has added 201 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Quarterbacks Malakai Anthony and Kevin Taylor have split time under center, combining for 420 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions through three games. Challenger Valentine leads the receiving corps with 92 yards and a score, while Antwain Banks has caught a team-best two touchdown passes.
Defensively, the Bulldogs are anchored by Samuel Graham, who leads the CIAA in tackles, averaging 9.0 per game, and in forced fumbles with two. Jamal Jones provides a disruptive presence on the defensive line, ranking third in the conference with 5.0 tackles for loss, while Alijah Miller and Elijah McKenzie add playmaking ability in the front seven and secondary. Bowie State's defense has been particularly effective in the red zone, allowing opponents to score only 44 percent of the time.
On special teams, Ty Lyles has been a difference maker, leading the CIAA in kickoff return yards with 125 and an average of 41.7 yards per return. Carlos Smith has chipped in on punt returns, averaging 10.5 yards per attempt. Kicker Chris Coleman has converted 2-of-4 field goals, including a long of 35 yards, while punter Davion Moore is averaging 38.2 yards per punt.
Scouting Winston-Salem State
Winston-Salem State enters this week with the third-ranked offense and sixth-ranked defense in the CIAA through four games. The Rams average 395 yards of total offense per contest, including the league's second-best passing attack at 239 yards per game, while their defense leads the conference with five interceptions.
Daylin Lee has been one of the CIAA's top playmakers, ranking first in the league in passing with 956 yards and 10 touchdowns on 62 percent accuracy. JaQuan Kelly provides balance in the ground game, sitting fourth in the CIAA with 261 rushing yards and two scores. The passing game features multiple threats, led by Davontay Deloatch, who ranks fourth in the league with 234 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the Rams have been opportunistic. Chancellor Smith is second in the CIAA with two interceptions to go along with 21 tackles, while Chris Brown ranks fourth in the league with two sacks and four tackles for loss. Overall, WSSU has forced five interceptions and 22 tackles for loss, though the unit has allowed 158.5 rushing yards per game and opponents have converted nearly half of their third-down opportunities.
On special teams, Gilberto Lorenzana has connected on three of five field goals and is 13 of 14 on extra points. Return man Jayden Grimes provides a spark, averaging 28.3 yards per kickoff return, though the punt game has been inconsistent with a net average of just 32.5 yards.
Up Next
Bowie State continues its homestand on Saturday, Oct. 4, hosting the Fayetteville State Broncos for Heroes Day and Gold Rush inside Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.
