BOWIE, Md. - Bowie State football will remain on the road Saturday, Sept. 26, as the Bulldogs travel to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to take on Elizabeth City State University at Roebuck Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

Bowie State enters the matchup at 0-3 following a 45-3 setback at Alabama A&M last Saturday in Huntsville, Al. The Bulldogs opened the 2026 campaign with road losses to Virginia State and Delaware State before facing Alabama A&M in their third consecutive Division I FCS matchup. Saturday's contest marks the Bulldogs' first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) game since their season opener against Virginia State and another opportunity for first-year head coach Dawson Odums and Bowie State to continue building the foundation of a new era of Bulldogs football.

When: Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: Roebuck Stadium – Elizabeth City, N.C.
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Back to CIAA Play
Bowie State returns to conference action with a 0-3 overall record following its three-game Division I opening stretch. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 42-13 loss at Virginia State, followed by a 21-6 setback at Delaware State before falling 45-3 at Alabama A&M. The three contests provided Bowie State with experience against Division I opponents before the Bulldogs return to CIAA competition Saturday. Against Delaware State, Bowie State produced 287 total yards, including 160 passing yards and 127 rushing yards, while recording 19 first downs and converting 7-of-14 third-down opportunities. Quarterback Jaylin Solomon completed 11-of-18 passes for 108 yards and added 45 rushing yards, while Daniel Coles Jr. rushed for 45 yards on 11 carries. The Bulldogs will now shift their attention back to CIAA competition with four conference games remaining on the regular-season schedule. Following Saturday's contest at Elizabeth City State, Bowie State will return home Oct. 3 to host Shaw University at Bulldog Stadium.

Offense Looking to Rebound
Bowie State's offense will look to establish greater consistency after being held to three points against Alabama A&M. Through the first three games, the Bulldogs have produced 396 rushing yards and 398 passing yards for 794 total yards. Bowie State has also scored 22 points through its opening three contests. Solomon has provided a dual-threat option at quarterback during the early portion of the season, including his 108-yard passing performance against Delaware State. Kyle Hawkins has also contributed through the air, connecting with Makhy Acey for a 31-yard touchdown against the Hornets. With CIAA play resuming, the Bulldogs will look to establish the running game, sustain drives and create more opportunities in the red zone against an Elizabeth City State defense that has recorded six sacks through three games.

Bulldogs Defense Faces Elizabeth City State Offense
Bowie State's defense will face an Elizabeth City State offense that has shown the ability to create opportunities through the passing game while also relying on quarterback Troy Smith. Elizabeth City State enters Saturday's matchup at 0-3 after opening the season with losses to Fort Valley State, North Carolina Central and Virginia State. The Vikings fell 17-14 to Fort Valley State in their season opener, lost 27-6 at North Carolina Central and dropped a 28-14 home decision to Virginia State last Saturday. Against Virginia State, Smith completed 23-of-44 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the Vikings in total offense. Elizabeth City State finished the contest with 262 total yards, including 107 rushing yards and 155 net passing yards. Joe Griffin contributed 46 rushing yards and caught a touchdown pass, while Josef Manley added 53 rushing yards.

Through three games, the Vikings have accumulated 676 total yards, averaging 225.3 yards per game. Elizabeth City State has produced 414 passing yards and 262 rushing yards while scoring 34 points. Defensively, the Vikings have recorded six sacks and four interceptions through the first three games. Bowie State will look to pressure the ECSU passing game, limit explosive plays and force the Vikings into difficult third-down situations as the Bulldogs return to conference play.

Scouting the Vikings of Elizabeth City State
Elizabeth City State enters Saturday's matchup at 0-3 overall and 0-1 in CIAA play. The Vikings are coming off a 28-14 loss to Virginia State in their first conference game of the season. The Vikings were tied with Virginia State, 14-14, entering the fourth quarter before the Trojans scored 14 unanswered points to secure the victory. Smith threw for 145 yards and two touchdowns, while Griffin rushed for 46 yards and added a touchdown reception. Elizabeth City State's offense has been led by Smith, who has completed 36-of-69 passes for 414 yards and three touchdowns through three games. The Vikings have also rushed for 262 yards as a team. Saturday's game will also feature two teams looking for their first victory of the 2026 season, with both Bowie State and Elizabeth City State entering the contest at 0-3.

Series History
Saturday's matchup will mark the 17th meeting between Bowie State and Elizabeth City State since 2009. The Bulldogs hold a 13-3 advantage in the series during that span, including a 7-1 record on the road against the Vikings. Overall, Bowie State leads the all-time series 13-7, according to the Bulldogs' official series history. The most recent meeting came on Nov. 1, 2025, when Elizabeth City State rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Bowie State, 28-27, at Bulldog Stadium. The Vikings scored 14 fourth-quarter points to overcome a 27-14 deficit and secure the one-point victory. Bowie State had won 11 consecutive meetings against Elizabeth City State from 2013 through 2024 before the Vikings ended that streak with last year's victory. The Bulldogs won the previous meeting in Elizabeth City, 48-6, on Nov. 2, 2024.

Back to Conference Competition
Saturday's contest represents the fourth game of Bowie State's four-game road stretch to open the 2026 campaign. The Bulldogs began the season with consecutive CIAA and Division I matchups at Virginia State, Delaware State and Alabama A&M before returning to conference play at Elizabeth City State. For Bowie State, Saturday's game provides another opportunity to compete in CIAA play, build momentum and continue establishing the identity of the program during Odums' first season at the helm.

Up Next
Following the Elizabeth City State contest, Bowie State will finally return to Bulldog Stadium on Oct. 3 to host Shaw University in the Bulldogs' 2026 home opener. That first home contest of the season will be 'Cool Mac Day' to honor the late and great Clyde Doughty Jr.

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