Bowie State Bulldogs defeated Elizabeth City State 34-23 on Sept. 26, 2026, in Elizabeth City, N.C., earning their first win of the season and Odums’ first victory as Bowie State’s head coach. Bowie State improved to 1-3, while Elizabeth City State fell to 0-4.
The Bulldogs produced 254 rushing yards on 46 carries and recorded 16 rushing first downs. Maximus Jones led the ground game with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, including a 29-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Bowie State Bulldogs Rally After Halftime
After Elizabeth City State took a 7-0 lead, Bowie State answered with an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with Jones’ 2-yard scoring run. The Bulldogs added another touchdown before halftime when Joshuah Keith threw a 21-yard fourth-down touchdown pass to Devean Byrd, but Elizabeth City State carried a 17-14 lead into the break.
Keith later scored on a 3-yard touchdown run as Bowie State moved ahead 21-17 in the third quarter. After Elizabeth City State regained a 23-21 advantage, John Thompson returned a punt 48 yards for a touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 27-23 lead.
Bowie State held Elizabeth City State scoreless in the fourth quarter and finished the game with a run-heavy possession. The Bulldogs rushed 12 times for 85 yards in the final period, while the defense stopped Elizabeth City State on fourth down at the Bowie State 49-yard line.
Bowie State Defense Records Five Sacks
Bowie State recorded five sacks for 44 yards and held Elizabeth City State to 228 total yards. Dalan Johnson and Chase Francis each recorded a sack, Santino Howard blocked a punt and John Earley finished with 12 tackles.
Elizabeth City State received 102 rushing yards and one touchdown from Ameil Braswell on 13 carries. Josef Manley completed 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns and added 22 rushing yards, while Terrance Holland caught four passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Bowie State Bulldogs Set to Host Shaw University
Bowie State will host Shaw University on Oct. 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium for its first home contest of the season. The game will celebrate Bowie State faculty and staff and include an in-game tribute to Dr. Clyde Doughty, Jr.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Bowie State Bulldogs secured their first win of 2026 behind 254 rushing yards, five sacks and a scoreless fourth quarter. The victory also marked Odums’ first win as Bowie State’s head coach.
Source: Original report
