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| Winston-Salem State has won 15 straight home games. (Cleveland Plain Dealer photo) |
It’s only been three weeks since Winston-Salem State last played in front of its hometown fans, but it may as well have been years. WSSU entered its contest against Virginia University of Lynchburg licking its wounds after its first regular season loss in over two years to UNC-Pembroke. Since that loss, the Rams have been on fire, allowing just 12 points per game while putting up 52 of their own.
Rudy Johnson has been a big part of that success, throwing seven touchdowns to just one interception during that stretch. The tandem of Tehyvn Brantley and Chase Powell has been a potent one, as the two have combined for 37 catches and nine touchdowns in four games. Add to that a defense that seems to get better every week, and the Rams are back to looking like a two-time defending champ.
Bowie State (2-2) is coming off a 29-7 loss to St. Augustine’s at home last week. BSU started the season with strong offensive performances against St. Anselm and Johnson C. Smith, but are averaging less than 11 points per game in its last two contests. Quarterback Jared Johnston has been a model of inconsistency for BSU, throwing just four touchdowns against six interceptions in four games.
Tweets Is Watching
On the Football Team Bus headed to Winston-Salem. Huge game tomorrow for the Bulldogs against the highly ranked Rams of WSSU. #BULLDOGNATION
– Anton Goff (@AD_Goff_BSU) October 4, 2013
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Best Matchup: Winston-Salem State’s receivers vs. Bowie State’s defensive backs
The Rams have been on a tear through the air this season, averaging a CIAA-high 327 passing yards per game and also leading the conference in passing touchdowns with 16. Bowie State has been inconsistent against the pass, recording six interceptions but allowing an average of 225 yards per game.
Prediction: Winston-Salem has been nearly unbeatable at home since Connell Maynor took over, winning 17 of 19 games. As long as the Rams take care of the ball, the Bowman Gray Bullies should win.
Battle of The Bands