Bowie State has been one of the best program in the CIAA the past three years. Problem is, a CIAA title has eluded the Bulldogs.

While BSU didn’t even play in the CIAA championship game last year, the Bulldogs had a good enough season to earn a Division II home playoff berth. As a matter of fact, the Bulldogs have played postseason football the last three years, losing back-to-back CIAA championship games to Winston-Salem State in 2015 and 2016.

Things appear to be different this year. Last year’s CIAA champion Virginia State loses a few pieces including BOXTOROW All-American running back Trenton Cannon, who was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Jets. Perennial power Winston-Salem State did not play in the championship game last year. Fayetteville State represented the Southern Division and could repeat as South champs.

But the Bulldogs return one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Amir Hall. The reigning BOXTOROW Offensive Player of the Year completed 65 percent of this passes for 3,519 yards with 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also rushed for 406 yards and eight touchdowns. And while his two leading receivers from last year are gone, he returns Lansana Seasay, a deep threat who averaged 24 yards on 33 receptions with nine touchdowns.

Virginia State will still have something to say about the Northern Division as will Virginia Union. The South is open and while Fayetteville State has to be the favorite, Saint Augustine’s was a game away from playing in last year’s championship game. Winston-Salem State will be in contention also.

Below is a podcast preview of the CIAA schools in our predicted order of finish. Click on the school to download or listen to the podcast:

Northern Division
Bowie State
Virginia State
Virginia Union
Chowan
Elizabeth City State
Lincoln Pa.

Southern Division
Fayetteville State
Saint Augustine’s
Winston-Salem State
Shaw
Johnson C. Smith
Livingstone