BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State University football team (1-3, 0-2 CIAA) came up short in its home opener, falling 28-21 to Winston-Salem State (3-2, 1-1 CIAA) on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium.
Winston-Salem State jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead after capitalizing on a fumble recovery. Bowie State responded with a 26-yard connection between Malakai Anthony and Ty Lyles, setting up Coleman's first field goal of the day from 29 yards out. The Bulldog defense then stiffened, highlighted by a sack from Deshawn Willoughby and James Traynham, as the first quarter ended 14-3.
Coleman added field goals of 31 and 27 yards in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 14-9. After another WSSU touchdown, BSU's defense swung momentum back late in the half when Kamari Loving recovered a fumble. Anthony connected with Lyles for 10 yards to set up Coleman's fourth make from 34 yards, sending the Bulldogs into the break trailing 21-12.
Bowie State continued to battle in the second half. Micah Robinson provided a 17-yard burst and Anthony hit Joseph Towler for a first down, but the drive stalled inside the red zone. The defense held firm, forcing multiple punts to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance heading into the fourth quarter.
After the Rams extended their lead with a long touchdown pass, Bowie State answered. Jones and Robinson powered the ground game before Anthony found Carlos Smith for a 31-yard score to cut the deficit to 28-18. A sack from Jamal Jones set up another BSU scoring chance, and Coleman drilled his fifth field goal to make it a one-score game at 28-21.
The Bulldogs had one final push in the closing minutes, with Anthony connecting on a 16-yard strike to Jones, but time expired before BSU could complete the rally.
Bowie St. Top Performers
Jamal Jones
Samuel Graham
- 10 total tackles
- 1 sack
- 1 forced fumble
Chris Coleman
- 5-for-5 on field goals
- Long of 34 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.