Two weeks ago Virginia Union University ran for nearly 500 yards against Virginia State, but was held to just 66 rushing yards Saturday against the Bowie State Bulldogs. Despite their defensive victory, the Bulldogs' offense faltered and allowed VU the opportunity to win 17-16, and gain a share of the CIAA East division lead.

"We played 58 minutes instead of 60," said coach Damon Wilson. "Virginia Union is a good team and they came back and got us."

The Bulldogs led VU, 16-10, with just over two minutes left to play and with possession of the ball during VU's homecoming. But a fumble recovery that was returned 54 yards for a touchdown gave the home team the unlikely win.

The high-scoring Bulldogs' offense (30 points per game) was held in check for most of the game. Dominique Budd rushed 14 yards for the game's first touchdown and VU answered with a touchdown of their own in the second quarter. Freshman quarterback Emmanuel Yeager led Bowie State's first-half offense with just 24 yards in the air and 37 rushing yards.

The Bulldogs' only points in the third quarter came from a Michael Gagne field goal and they entered the final quarter with a 10-7 lead. But with the game in hand and Bowie State trying to run out the game clock, a fumble led to the game-tying and winning touchdown for VU.

"Our desire and our will to stop the run" helped us remain in the game," said Wilson. "But we didn't protect the football when it counted and it cost us the game."

A win for Bowie State would have locked up the CIAA East just a couple of months after being picked to finish seventh in the entire conference. Bowie State and Virginia Union are each 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the CIAA with one game remaining. VU will take on Elizabeth City State University (6-3, 4-2 CIAA) while Bowie State will end the regular season at Virginia State (5-4, 3-3 CIAA).

Regardless of the Bulldogs' outcome Saturday, if Virginia Union defeats ECSU, they earn the tiebreaker with BSU, and would then move on to play CIAA West champions Fayetteville State for the conference title.

"We're going to be in great shape. We'll just plan on playing four quarters of football," said Wilson, referring to his team's finale during the VSU homecoming. The team is in good shape considering that this season they've allowed just 41 yards per game on the ground while rushing for 183 yards per game. "You've just got to take your hat off to our entire defensive unit," said Wilson.

"(This week) is about sending our seniors out with a 7-3 record," he said. "Anything after that is a bonus."