Bulldogs Rank Third in Northern Division Conference

By Michael D. Sykes II

After four weeks of play, the Bowie State Bulldogs are sitting at 2-2 which isn’t where they expected to be at this point.

The Bulldogs are ranked third in the Northern Division of the conference. They’re tied for sixth overall in the conference after losing to St. Augustine’s University 29-7.

Although the Bulldogs started off conference play on a somewhat disparaging note, they still have a chance to bounce back. Their next opponent, Winston-Salem State, is a tough opponent but the Bulldogs should have what it takes to win.

If they rely on their running game as they have in the past with Keith Brown and Kendall Jefferson. They must not allow the run game to be shut down as it was against St. Augustine’s last week. They only rushed for 65 yards on 33 rushing attempts.

On average, the Bulldogs rush for 162.5 yards per game. That average ranks third overall in the conference according to the CIAA’s statistic database. 

Although BSU has been able to accumulate yards and points, they haven't been able to convert on third down. The Bulldogs have only converted on 34% of their third down plays which is the fourth worst in the conference according to the CIAA's statistic database. The Bulldogs haven't been able to convert on every possession and are missing out on scoring opportunities that hurt them throughout their games. 

The Bulldogs have to attempt to make a push in conference play. The rest of the games on the schedule are against CIAA opponents and for them to make the playoffs they'll need every win they can get. Their next three games are going to be tough against Winston-Salem, Chowan, and Virginia State. If the Bulldogs can come out of this stretch 2-1, they'll be 2-2 in conference play and right in the thick of things.