What: Virginia State at Bowie State
When: Saturday, Oct. 13
Time: 1 p.m.
Where to watch: Aspire
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Bowie State (4-2) is coming off a 42-23 loss to Chowan in its CIAA Northern Division opener last week. The game marked back-to-back performances of less than 25 points in a game, something that hasn’t happened since October 2015. Amir Hall threw for 428 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions in the loss. It was his third consecutive game with double picks after throwing just four all season in 2017. Bowie State’s defense has allowed 32.2 points per game.
Virginia State is on a roll as the defending CIAA Champions have won three games in a row following two games against FCS competition to open the season. Quarterback Cordelral Cook has been a rock at the quarterback position, throwing eight touchdowns and zero interceptions against D2 competition. He’s also a threat with his legs, and he’ll be facing a Bowie State defense that has shown it can be beaten.
Key Stat:
Bowie State’s rushing game has been pedestrian in 2018, averaging just over 101 yards per game. That’s down 129 yards per game from its 2017 average. Last season’s team featured Rob Chesson as its top rusher, as he averaged 122 yards per game. Chesson’s eligibility is gone and Brandon Abrams is now the leader with an average of 55 yards per game. A solid run game would take some of the pressure off Hall and likely produce more points and less turnovers. They’ve got to figure it out fast.
This game has been the most exciting in the CIAA over the past couple of seasons. This will be Bowie State’s homecoming, and it’s almost a must-win as dropping two CIAA division games brings chances of a title game spot to almost nothing. This game has been made-for-TV the last couple years and the added drama should make it that way again this week.