DURHAM, NC – The Shaw University football team dropped a 59–7 decision to nationally ranked No. 21 Virginia Union on Saturday afternoon at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

The Panthers (3–1, 2–0 CIAA) showcased their offensive firepower, racking up 611 total yards, including 474 on the ground, while limiting the Bears (1–3, 1–1 CIAA) to 265 yards of offense.

Virginia Union set the tone early, capitalizing on a Shaw turnover to open the scoring with a field goal and later adding a rushing touchdown to build a 10–0 first-quarter lead. The Panthers' ground attack proved relentless as Curtis Allen broke free for a 55-yard score in the second quarter, one of his two touchdowns on the day. By halftime, VUU had built a commanding 31–0 advantage.

Shaw's lone highlight came midway through the third quarter when freshman running back Fabian Diggs capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Jordan Lane added the extra point to cut the deficit to 38–7.

Defensively, Darry Felix led Shaw with a game-high 11 tackles and an interception, while Jaden Perkins added nine stops and a pass breakup. Offensively, quarterback Alexander Marsh threw for 140 yards, with receivers Cobie Bates (47 yards) and Reggie King Jr. (43 yards) pacing the passing game.

Virginia Union continued to pull away in the second half, finding the end zone on the ground and through the air, including a 28-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

With the setback, Shaw moves to 1–3 overall and 1–1 in CIAA play under first-year head coach Lamar Manigo.

Next Up

Shaw will look to bounce back on the road when they travel to face Bluefield State Saturday, October 4th. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM in Bluefield, West Virginia.