For the first time in school history, the #10 Bowie State Bulldogs (12-1) have advanced to the NCAA DII Quarterfinals after a 13-10 defensive slugfest versus Newberry. Their reward is a rematch of the 2018 NCAA DII Playoffs second round match versus Valdosta State. Now the politically correct answer is that the 66-16 blowout in 2018 were two completely different teams and results have no effect on the current two teams. HOWEVER, I promise you it has not been forgotten. On paper the #2 ranked Blazers should dominate the matchup. Massey has them beating down the Bulldogs by 24 points. The one thing that Massey doesn't seem to be accounting for is, what we call The #Darkside. The #Darkside is the nickname for the Bowie State Defense, which is the best defensive unit in the DII country. The #Darkside leads the country in defensive touchdowns, tackles for losses, red zone defense and are 3rd in third down conversion percentage, 5th in passing defense, 5th in scoring defense, & 5th in total defense. Lenior-Ryne came into Round 1 averaging 40+ points per game and were held to three points. Newberry came into Round 2 averaging 40+ per game and were held to 10. I say that to say, you can throw offensive averages away when dealing with a tenacious defense, who can wreak havoc in the offensive backfield. Bowie has a tremendous defensive line anchored by Joshua Pryor and Jonathan Ross ( who could have both been defensive Harlon Hill candidates),a stout LB core, and a lock down secondary who are full of playmakers and thumpers.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are lead by 2019 CIAA POY Jerome Johnson and Harlon Hill Candidate Calil Wilkins at RB. Johnson is the heart and soul of this team. He has been playing hurt for 3-4 weeks now and you may literally have to "hit him with a car" to get him to stay out of the game. He had his "Byron Leftwich" moment last game when he was carried off of the field by two offensive lineman, but went on to return and throw the two touchdowns that would seal the victory over Newberry. Johnson is a dual threat who has proven if you sell out against the run, he will make you pay with his arm.
Valdosta State will no doubt, be the best team Bowie has played all year. However, the Bulldogs feature the best defense that Valdosta has played as well. You can never discount heart and determination, so I'm taking Bowie State 24 Valdosta 21 in what will be an huge upset to anyone outside of the DMV (DC, MD, VA area). Bowie has to make this game ugly, just like it has done it's last two games. That is how they win this game.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are lead by 2019 CIAA POY Jerome Johnson and Harlon Hill Candidate Calil Wilkins at RB. Johnson is the heart and soul of this team. He has been playing hurt for 3-4 weeks now and you may literally have to "hit him with a car" to get him to stay out of the game. He had his "Byron Leftwich" moment last game when he was carried off of the field by two offensive lineman, but went on to return and throw the two touchdowns that would seal the victory over Newberry. Johnson is a dual threat who has proven if you sell out against the run, he will make you pay with his arm.
Valdosta State will no doubt, be the best team Bowie has played all year. However, the Bulldogs feature the best defense that Valdosta has played as well. You can never discount heart and determination, so I'm taking Bowie State 24 Valdosta 21 in what will be an huge upset to anyone outside of the DMV (DC, MD, VA area). Bowie has to make this game ugly, just like it has done it's last two games. That is how they win this game.
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