For the first time in the Dawson Odums era, the Bowie State Bulldogs are in the win column, taking down the Elizabeth City State Vikings 34-23.
The Bulldogs get a measure of revenge on the Vikings after losing 27-28 in their matchup last season, which saw them blow a 27-7 lead in the second half on their home field.
Maximus Jones led the way for BSU, rushing for a career-high 148 yards and scoring his first two touchdowns of the season.
Quarterback Joshuah Keith completed nine of his 14 pass attempts, accounting for a pair of touchdowns (one passing and one rushing).
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs defense put the Vikings under constant pressure, penetrating the line of scrimmage to the tune of five sacks.
Elizabeth City State running back Ameil Braswell led the charge for his team, rushing for 102 yards on 13 attempts and a touchdown.
The game didn’t start off well for Bowie State, first having a penalty on the opening kickoff that removed them from great starting field position, then recording a fumble on the first play from scrimmage.
Despite a holding penalty negating a big run, the Vikings capitalized found a way to capitalize on the turnover, with a 10-yard score by Braswell one play after a fourth-down conversion.
Bowie evened the score before the end of the first quarter, capping an extended drive with a two-yard touchdown.
Over the next two quarters, both teams combined for touchdown drives on five of the next seven possessions (also including an Elizabeth City State field goal), ending with the Vikings on top 23-20 with 7:50 remaining in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs pulled in front before the end of the third quarter thanks to a 48-yard punt return touchdown by John Thompson.
They would hold that advantage for the remainder of the game, further sealing the win with a 29-yard touchdown run from Jones.
Each of Bowie State’s last four wins have come on the road, having posted a 0-4 record at home last season.
The Bulldogs will look to break down this barrier when they return to their home field for the first time this season, hosting Shaw in the Cool Mac Classic.
