BOXTOROW National Game of the Week
8 Virginia State (5-1, 2-1) at Bowie State (4-2, 3-0)

Last year’s meeting between Bowie State and Virginia State at VSU’s homecoming went a long way to deciding the CIAA Northern Division.  BSU won the game 22-19 on a touchdown pass and catch with :40 remaining in the game.

The teams meet Saturday, this time at Bowie State’s homecoming.

Both teams are off to great starts, but this game means a little more for the Trojans.  They already have a loss in the conference albeit to Southern Division opponent Winston-Salem State.

In another big game on Saturday fellow Northern Division leader Virginia Union is at Chowan.  Bowie State defeated Chowan last week 21-14 in Murfreesboro, NC last week.  A loss by Chowan and their chances for the North title are pretty much over.

The Bulldogs offense is high-powered and averages 499.7 yards of total offense per game in part because of the play of sophomore quarterback Amir Hall.  Hall, who didn’t see any action last year, is fifth in Division II  with 2,031 passing yards.  He has thrown for 400 or more yards in three games this season  He’s completing 61 percent of his passes and is responsible for 19 touchdowns (15 throwing, four rushing).  His favorite target is BOXTOROW All-American Nyme Manns who has 44 receptions for 646 yards, is averaging14.7 yards per reception and has caught five touchdowns passes.  Even though Manns is Hall’s go-to receiver, Hall has completed at least 10 passes to seven different receivers.

As successful as the passing game has been, the Bulldogs have also had success running the football as they average 161.2 yards per game.  Sophomore Robert Chesson had rushed for 495 yards, and six touchdowns on 79 carries and averages 6.3 yards per carry.

As good as Bowie State’s offense is, VSU is equally as good defensively.  The Trojans are ranked fifth in Division II in total defense (265.8).  They also lead the conference in points per game given up (16.5).  Senior linebacker Geo Figgins leads the team in tackles (56) and has 9.5 tackles for loss with 4.5 sacks.  The Trojans excel in rushing the passer and have 19 sacks as a team.  Defensive lineman Bryant Frazier leads the team with 7.5 sacks.  The Trojans are also strong in the secondary led by senior Trevon Byron who has two interceptions both returned for touchdowns and has broken up nine passes on the season.

While the matchup may look like BSU’s offense against VSU’s defense, on the flip side, VSU has a solid offense and BSU has a solid defense.

The Trojans like to run the football and lead the conference in rushing, averaging 237.8 yards per game.  As a matter of fact, the Trojans rush to pass ratio is in excess of 4-to-1.  The 1-2 combination of Kavon Bellamy and Trenton Cannon has combined for 1,025 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns.  Quarterback Tarian Ayres is also a threat to run and has gained 170 yards on the ground.  He is also smart with the ball and has thrown four touchdowns passes and no interceptions, while completing 53 percent of his passes for 650 yards.

Defensively, the Bulldogs are ranked second in the CIAA (303.2).  Their strength is forcing turnovers as they lead the CIAA and are tied for ninth in the country with 17.  While the Bulldogs are a little susceptible to the pass (189.5), that is not the strength of the Trojans and against the run the Bulldogs rank second in the league (113.7).  Senior All-CIAA linebacker Kevaughn Townsend has 27 tackles (15 solo) and 7.5 tackles for loss.