Here is the good news/bad news update on Virginia Union University football.

Unsettling news is that by losing 23-19 last Saturday at Bowie State University, VUU is now a long shot to win the CIAA Northern Division title and advance to the CIAA title game.

All Bowie State University must do now is defeat last place Lincoln University on Saturday, Oct. 31, to clinch the Northern Division title and advance to the conference title game Nov. 14 in Durham, N.C.

On a happier note, postseason action remains a possibility for Coach Mark James’ Panthers, now 6-2 overall, 2-1 in the Northern Division and 4-1 in the CIAA.

For an invitation to the 28-team NCAA Division II playoffs, VUU likely will need to win its final two games — the first of which will be played against Elizabeth City State University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Hovey Field, and then against Virginia State University on Nov. 7 at Rogers Stadium.

VUU is ranked No. 7 in this week’s poll, meaning that if that ranking holds for the next two weeks, the Panthers might qualify.

The top seven teams in the far-reaching Super Region 1 will make the playoffs that start Nov. 21 at campus sites. The tournament concludes Dec. 19 in Kansas City, Mo.

“If we win out, hopefully our record will speak for it self,” said Coach James. “It’s tough when you don’t control your own destiny. All we can do is win our next two. Finishing strong is our area of focus.”

Conference champions are not guaranteed playoff berths. All selections are wild cards based on polls.

Recent results have been favorable to CIAA schools.

Virginia State University earned its first-ever invitation a year ago. The Trojans were seeded third and defeated Long Island University-Post in the first round.

In 2011, Winston-Salem State University advanced to the Division II title game. It was the best effort ever by a CIAA or HBCU program.

Despite the setback at Bowie State, VUU dominated statistically against the Maryland team. The Panthers had 28 first downs and 452 yards to the Bulldogs’ 13 first downs and 382 yards.

VUU ran 77 plays to Bowie State’s 56 and won time of possession, 35 minutes to 25.

Junior quarterback Shawheem Dowdy completed a school record 28 passes, including touchdowns to Chaz McKenzie, Shaquille Mitchem and Olu Izegwire.

Dowdy’s 28 connections topped the mark of 27 set twice by Carl Wright in 1990 and 1991.

Dowdy’s 399 aerial yards were the third most in program history behind Lamar Little’s 455 in 2007 and Wright’s 406 in 1990.

VUU had two touchdowns called back by penalty.

The Panthers went to the NCAAs eight times under coaches Willard Bailey and Joe Taylor.

VUU earned Division II berths in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 under Coach Bailey and in 1986, 1990 and 1991 under Coach Taylor, who now serves as VUU’s athletic director.

VUU last won the CIAA title in 2001 in what was Coach Bailey’s second stint as coach on Lombardy Street.

This year, VUU has relied on a balanced offense and overwhelming defense that leads Division II in least yards allowed overall and rushing.

The Panthers have permitted just 178.8 yards per game. Second is Northwest Missouri State at 218.1 yards.

On the ground, VUU has permitted just 53.4 yards an outing compared to 61.9 yards for runner-up Minnesota-Mankato.

VUU’s next opponent, Elizabeth City State University, is coached by VUU alumnus Waverly Tillar, Class of 1995. The Vikings, 4-3 overall, have been the league’s hard-luck loser.

ECSU lost to Chowan University 24-20, Virginia State University 24-23 and to Winston-Salem State University 17-10. Also, a 71-0 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg has been voided by the CIAA and NCAA because of issues with VUL.