WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -  The Shaw University football team dropped a 27-21 decision on the road at Winston-Salem State University on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Bears to 3-5 on the season while the Rams improve to 6-3 overall on the year.

Shaw, who has not won a road game this season will look to host cross-town rival Saint Augustine's for homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Durham County Memorial Stadium with kickoff slated for 12 noon.

Senior quarterback Darron Downing (Portsmouth, VA) connected 15-of-26 passes for 151 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while also rushing for 66 yards on 16 carries. Freshman Daniel Bender (Jacksonville, FL) recorded 80 yards for four receptions and a score to lead the receiving unit.

WSSU got on the scoreboard first with a two yard rushing touchdown from Farre Murchinson but the Bears responded with a two yard rushing TD of their own thanks to junior Michael Sherman (Powder Springs, GA) at the 3:44 mark to tie the contest at 7-7.

In the second quarter, both teams scored once, resulting in another tie for the contest at 14-14 going into halftime. The Rams scored again in the third frame ignited by a 15 play 78-yard drive with 3:02 left but the Bears responded in the fourth when Downing connected with Bender for a 53-yard passing touchdown with 14:46 left.

Neither teams would score for the remainder of regulation but in overtime, Shaw had the opportunity to take the lead but a missed field goal from 37 yards out gave WSSU possession again. The Rams scored on that drive after Jahiz Linebarger rushed for 20-yards in the end zone to give WSSU the 27-21 advantage.

Shaw finished with 272 yards (148 passing, 124 rushing) of total offense while the Rams posted 322 (95 passing, 227 rushing).

Freshman Jaleel Scroggins (Raleigh, NC) led the Bears defense with 13 total tackles, including 12 solo, one tackle for loss and an interception while sophomore Devon Hunt (Rockingham, NC) recorded 12 total tackles (7 solo), 1.5 tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw football and its 13 varsity sport teams, please visit www.shawbears.com.