Nearly three years have passed since the last time the Delaware State football team had a winning streak of any kind.
That streak gives way to a new one following the Hornets’ 36-14 win over CIAA member Bowie State.
Paired with the 7 1/2-hour, rain-drenched marathon win over Albany last weekend, it’s the first time the Hornets have won at least two straight games since Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, 2022. Delaware State defeated Robert Morris 14-9 and Norfolk State 28-7 back then.
Here are the takeaways from today’s game.
Run, Hornets, Run
In each of their three games this season, Delaware State has rushed for at least 200 yards. Saturday against Bowie State, the total was 278 yards on 41 carries between nine different ball carriers. Louisiana-Monroe transfer James Jones was the leading rusher, collecting an even 100 yards on eight carries. So far this season, the Hornets have rushed as a team for 847 yards, a credit to their offensive line and the athletes in the running back room.
Penalty Box(ed in)
Delaware State had another bad day with respect to execution and discipline.
The Hornets were flagged for 16 penalties, totaling 153 yards. Head coach DeSean Jackson is not happy with the lack of discipline.
Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson is not pleased with the Hornets’ penalty struggles.
They were flagged 16 times for 153 yards against Bowie State on Saturday @HBCUSports pic.twitter.com/nsRmuFfEBd
— With EVERYBODY sayin – C! J! Writes! YEAH! (@CJWritesNThangs) September 14, 2025
With a three-game road trip against St. Francis (PA), Sacred Heart and Coastal Athletic Association contender Monmouth on hand, the Hornets must control the penalties, or their win-streak will be short lived.
Bulldogs have bite
Delaware State’s talent may have taken over the game, but Bowie State showed significant fight throughout.
The Bulldogs rushed for 206 yards themselves and never really let DSU get too far away from them, even if the score indicated otherwise. Bowie went with a two-quarterback routine Saturday and had some success. Both
Malakai Anthony and Kevin Taylor were able to move the BSU offense up and down the field but ran into problems from in close.
Taylor had a clear run to the end zone from the Hornet 2 in the third quarter, but the ball slipped out of his hands just as he reached the goal line. DSU recovered for a touchback and Bowie State would have to wait until the fourth for their second and final touchdown of the game.
Even with this loss, Bowie State should be considered a team to watch out for in what looks to be a crowded CIAA landscape once again this season.