Durham, N.C. — Shaw University fell 31–13 to Fayetteville State University on Saturday afternoon at Durham County Memorial Stadium, as the Bears were unable to overcome a string of early turnovers that helped the Broncos remain unbeaten in CIAA play.

Fayetteville State (5–3, 5–0 CIAA) built a 14–0 halftime lead and extended it to 28–0 midway through the third quarter behind a balanced attack that totaled 371 yards of offense. Quarterback Demari Daniels accounted for 197 total yards, throwing for 117 yards and a touchdown while adding 80 rushing yards on 10 carries. Running back Caden Davis added 59 rushing yards, a one-yard touchdown run, and also threw a 51-yard scoring pass.

Shaw (2–6, 2–4 CIAA) finally broke through late in the third quarter when sophomore running back Christian Rutledge sprinted 42 yards for a touchdown to make it 28–7. Running back Trey Thorpe capped the Bears' final drive with a one-yard score with 16 seconds remaining.

Quarterback Alexander Marsh finished 19-of-35 for 221 yards, connecting with six different receivers. Antrel Gibson hauled in four passes for 54 yards, while Tyrek Hardison added five receptions for 50 yards. The Bears produced 325 total yards (221 passing, 104 rushing) and 20 first downs but were hampered by five turnovers and two failed fourth-down conversions inside Bronco territory.

Defensively, Craig Morton III recovered a fumble and had six tackles, while Brian Collins and James Boyd each recorded a tackle for loss. Darry Felix grabbed an interception in the second quarter to halt a Fayetteville State drive.

The Broncos capitalized on short fields throughout, scoring on drives of 51, 24, and 40 yards following Shaw miscues. Fayetteville State kicker John Hernandez-Vargas added a 23-yard field goal in the fourth to seal the win.

Shaw returns to action next Saturday when it travels to face Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.