Bowie State University men’s football returns to Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) competition Saturday when the Bowie State Bulldogs visit Elizabeth City State University at 1 p.m. ET at Roebuck Stadium in Elizabeth City, N.C. The Bulldogs come into the game at 0-3 following season-opening losses to Virginia State, Delaware State and Alabama A&M.
Bowie State Bulldogs Resume CIAA Competition
The Bulldogs most recently suffered a 45-3 loss at Alabama A&M. Prior to that, Bowie State lost 42-13 at Virginia State and 21-6 at Delaware State. Saturday’s game will mark the Bulldogs’ first CIAA contest since their season opener.
This season also marks the first under head coach Dawson Odums.
Bowie State Offense Enters Conference Play
The Bulldogs have accumulated 794 total yards across three games, including 396 rushing yards and 398 passing yards, scoring 22 points during this stretch.
Quarterback Jaylin Solomon completed 11 of 18 passes for 108 yards and rushed for 45 yards against Delaware State. Daniel Coles Jr. rushed for 45 yards on 11 carries in the same game, while Kyle Hawkins connected with Makhy Acey for a 31-yard touchdown.
Elizabeth City State Vikings Enter at 0-3
Elizabeth City State comes into the contest with an 0-3 overall record and 0-1 in CIAA play. They have been defeated by Fort Valley State, North Carolina Central, and Virginia State, most recently losing 28-14 to Virginia State.
Vikings quarterback Troy Smith completed 23 of 44 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia State. Joe Griffin rushed for 46 yards and caught a touchdown pass, while Josef Manley added 53 rushing yards. The Vikings finished that game with 262 total yards, including 107 rushing yards and 155 net passing yards.
Through three games, Elizabeth City State has produced 676 total yards—414 passing and 262 rushing—and scored 34 points, registering six sacks and four interceptions defensively.
Series History and Next Game
Saturday’s matchup is the 17th meeting between Bowie State and Elizabeth City State since 2009. Bowie State leads the series 13-7, with a 13-3 advantage since 2009, including a 7-1 record on the road against Elizabeth City State. The Vikings won the latest encounter 28-27 on Nov. 1, 2025 at Bulldog Stadium. After this game, Bowie State will host Shaw University at Bulldog Stadium on Oct. 3 for their 2026 home opener, designated as Cool Mac Day in honor of the late Clyde Doughty Jr.
More information is available through the Bowie State University Athletics preview.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Bowie State men’s football returns to CIAA competition after starting the season 0-3 facing Division I opponents Virginia State, Delaware State, and Alabama A&M. They now meet an Elizabeth City State squad also searching for its first win of the season. The contest features Bowie State’s balanced offense and Elizabeth City State’s defense that has recorded six sacks and four interceptions through three games. The Bulldogs will seek to avenge last year’s one-point loss to the Vikings and establish momentum heading into conference play.
Source: Bowie State University Athletics preview
