Former S.C. State Bulldogs to get their rightful recognition

CHARLIE BROWN PLAYED in a couple of Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins and has a pair of rings to show for it. He also had a 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL during his six-year career.

Still, the one-time South Carolina State standout carries a couple of beefs with him. He believes his beloved Bulldogs were slighted in 1980 when they were not invited to play in the Division I-AA playoffs, and two of his fingers have never been fitted for the pair of national black college championships S.C. State won while he was there.

Brown can never rectify the 1980 NCAA ruling, but he will right the latter wrong Friday night when members of the 1976 and 1980 coaching staffs and players will be presented with national championship rings.

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FAMU falls to South Carolina State

Almost every time that camera operators panned the Florida A&M sideline, head football coach Joe Taylor had one arm locked under his chest and the other under his chin.

It seemed like he was trying to find answers on how to ignite the Rattlers' anemic offense that struggled to get first downs and couldn't put a single point on the scoreboard. Not even a field goal to give a near-capacity crowd something to feel good about.

Quarterback Martin Ukpai wasn't getting it done and was benched after a half in favor of Eddie Battle. He couldn't get the offense moving either and as a result FAMU was beaten 19-0 for a loss that might just wreck its MEAC title hopes.

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Tailgate Cam - FAMU vs. S.C. State

Fan Cam - FAMU vs. S.C. State

Rattlers' defense looks crisp, even in defeat »

A dam can only hold water, or hold back the South Carolina State offense, for so long.

After watching the Florida A&M offense constantly cede field position, time of possession and turnovers to their opponent the Rattlers' defense was worn down by an extended drive by the visitors early in the fourth quarter.

Bulldogs Blank Rattlers 19-0

TALLAHASSE , Fla. - South Carolina State had a back to rush for the century mark as well a receiver to finish over the century mark as the Bulldogs extended their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win streak to 20 as they defeated the Florida A&M University, 19-0 here Saturday evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Blake Erickson scored the Bulldogs first nine points as he connected on a pair of 39-yard field goal, the first with 10:35 to in the first and the second with six seconds to in the first half, giving SCSU a 6-0 lead into the break.

SC State 19, Florida A&M 0 Final

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It was a 'Blackout' Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium and not just in the stands. For the first time since 1934, the Bulldogs shut out Florida A&M on the scoreboard to post their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference-record 20th consecutive victory. It's also the eight straight win over the Rattlers, the Bulldogs' 11th straight road conference win and 26th consecutive win over a historically black college.

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FAMU sticking with its running game

FAMU sticking with its running game

After Saturday's stunning loss to Tennessee State, coach Joe Taylor suggested that receiver T.J. Lawrence might figure more prominent in the offensive mix, but that's not saying that the Rattlers are about to abandon their running back.

That doesn't seem likely especially with the depth that FAMU has at the position for the first time in more than three seasons. But no matter which one of the four running backs that played against TSU carried the ball, they didn't gain much rushing. FAMU actually finished with just 24 yards on the ground as its eight-game win streak in the Atlanta Classic was snapped with a 29-18 loss.

FAMU must quickly shake off loss to TSU

ATLANTA — In so many ways, the way Tennessee State ran past Florida A&M on Saturday mirrored the Rattlers' loss to South Carolina State a year ago.

FAMU was pounded on the ground for 413 yards and barely responded in its 29-18 loss to the Tigers. South Carolina State beat FAMU 35-20 last year, but the Rattlers bounced back and won three straight games. This time, rebounding after TSU snapped an eight-year losing streak at the Georgia Dome might not be as easy because of the opponent — South Carolina State.

Pough expects FAMU to be better than in Saturday’s loss
If watching Florida A&M fall to Tennessee State this past weekend inspired additional confidence in ninth-ranked South Carolina State, head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough gave no indication at Monday's press conference.

In fact, Pough believes the way the Rattlers were handled by the Tigers at the Atlanta Football Classic in allowing 11 quarterback sacks and close to 300 rushing yards will make them even more motivated for this Saturday's 6 p.m. clash at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee.

"I think losing creates ...

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South Carolina State Defeats Benedict 61-20

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Chris Massey and Asheton Jordan each rushed for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns as South Carolina State routed Benedict 61-20 on Saturday. Massey, a senior, had 20 carries for 148 yards and scored on runs of 11 and 2 yards while Jordan, a sophomore, had 14 carries for 126 yards and scored twice from 2 yards out.

Jordan came into the game averaging 103.3 yards.The Bulldogs (2-1) had their highest scoring total since beating Morgan State 65-15 in 2005. South Carolina State rolled up 415 yards total offense, 371 on the ground, before a record crowd of 13,334 in the HBCU Classic.

SC State thunders past Benedict Tigers, 61-20

COLUMBIA - For a brief moment, all of South Carolina State's worst fears manifested at once Saturday at a sold-out Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.

A lethargic showing on the first two series offensively had the Bulldogs backed near their own end zone by Benedict College. The Tigers and fans among the record-13,334 in attendance were further electrified with 6:20 left in the first quarter when Marquez Gibson blocked Blake Erickson's punt and an on-the-spot Domenic Sivera retrieved it in the air at the six before heading for a touchdown. Add sweltering on-field temperatures which had some Bulldog players battling cramps and it was nervous time on the S.C. State sidelines.

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Next Game: at Florida A&M Rattlers, Oct. 2.

Valley's Morgan finds 'big guy' for his schedule

Yes, new Mississippi Valley State coach Karl Morgan might have been better off scheduling schools like Lincoln College and Texas College, two of three games the Delta Devils won last year. But he wanted to go bigger and better. So, Morgan scheduled South Carolina State.

"We want to build this program," Morgan said. "We are going to play the big guys." It's safe to say South Carolina State is a big guy. The Bulldogs are the unquestioned No. 1-ranked HBCU and the No. 13 Football Championship Subdivision team. They've won 10 games each of the last two years. They gave Southeastern Conference member South Carolina a test last season and nearly...

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Ex-Citadel standout gets fresh start with S.C. State‎

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- Two years ago, Asheton Jordan was the top freshman running back in the Southern Conference with a promising future ahead of him at The Citadel. On Saturday, the Stratford High School product will play in South Carolina State's Garnet and Blue spring game with an eye toward securing a starting spot on coach Buddy Pough's team next fall. It's a fresh start for the 6-0, 206-pound Jordan, who spent last season on S.C. State's scout team after transferring from The Citadel, where he rushed for 711 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in 2008.

South Carolina State University Bulldogs Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough: "Any time you follow a guy who is the leading rusher in the history of your conference, that's pretty heavy stuff," Pough said. "But I think Asheton has got a shot."

"It was tough to see them play every day last year and to just be running scout team," Jordan said before a recent spring practice. "I was glad to help the team get as far as they did, but I'm ready to be out there playing now." Jordan and S.C. State's other running backs have huge shoes to fill with the departure of Will Ford, who rushed for 1,032 yards and eight TDs a year ago while leading S.C. State to a 10-2 record, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and a berth in the FCS playoffs. Ford is the all-time leading rusher in MEAC and S.C. State history.

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Morgan headed to NCAA tournament for second straight year

"Once you drink from that cup, you want more," said Morgan State University Coach Todd Bozeman, who will make his fifth NCAA appearance in eight years as a Division I coach; he was 3-for-4 at University of California, Berkeley.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Kevin Thompson lived through the culture shock of playing against Oklahoma and Blake Griffin in last year's NCAA tournament. In terms of lessons learned, that experience might have paved the way for Morgan State's return to the big stage. Thompson punched the ticket for the Bears' second straight trip to the NCAA tournament Saturday, delivering a 68-61 victory over South Carolina State in the championship game of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

His dominant performance - 18 points, 10 rebounds, five blocked shots - was his second double double in three games here and earned him the Outstanding Performer award of the tournament. More than that, it might have been the formal coming-out party for the 6-foot-8 sophomore from Walbrook. In a game in which the Bears (27-9) surged and sagged, took a 10-point lead and gave it up, Thompson was a constant force inside that the smaller Bulldogs (18-14) had no answer for. Even though South Carolina State out-rebounded the Bears 36-32, it was Morgan's relentless inside game that made the difference. In a seven-point victory, the Bears outscored the Bulldogs 34-16 in the paint.

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Wherry leads S.C.State offense in 1st scrimmage

Running back Devin Wherry had one mission in mind entering spring practice for South Carolina State. “I came with the mindset of getting me a job in a spot” he said. “I treat it as everything is open.” Used primarily as a blocking fullback as a freshman, Wherry used Saturday’s scrimmage at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium to display his versatility. He had a 2-yard touchdown run and was a primary receiving target out of the backfield.

“Devin is coming along real good,” quarterback Malcolm Long said. “He was a freshman last year, really didn’t a chance last year. He came out and had a really good day today running and catching.” Long led the Bulldogs on three scoring drives, utilizing short passes to Wherry, Lennel Elmore and Erin Norwood to move the football. “Our first offense had some some success against our second-team defense and that’s generally a possibility,” S.C. State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough said.

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South Carolina State Coach Pough picks program progress over pay

Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough and FAMU's Coach Joe Taylor shares the same attorney in Ricky Lefft. However, Coach Pough owns the MEAC championship crown.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Joseph “Ricky” Lefft and his family go back a long way with South Carolina State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough. If anyone can attest to Pough’s coaching credentials, it would be his friend, attorney and agent. “People know that Buddy is not just a good coach, he’s an exceptional coach,” Lefft said. “So his record (67-26 overall in eight seasons at S.C. State) speaks for itself. They haven’t backed down from anybody. He’s got a real good coaching staff. They’ve done it the right way. They’re extremely well-organized. They do it very professionally.”

Such insight was apparently not a secret to other schools like Southern University where rumors surfaced about interest in hiring a coach -- potentially Pough -- at an annual base salary of $300,000. Pough and Southern denied discussing that school’s opening, and the school eventually settled on Citadel graduate and former NFL running back Stump Mitchell, who has a contract that pays $200,000 per season. At the same time, Lefft was finalizing a contract extension which would keep Pough on the Bulldog sidelines through 2015.

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S.C. State's Blackwell’s departure due to health, financial opportunity

Joe Blackwell stopped himself near mid-sentence. “I hate to use my health (as an excuse) because of Urban Meyer,” he said referencing the head football coach of the Florida Gators, who made national headlines recently by announcing he was stepping away due to health problems only to not step away at all. The newly former offensive line coach and offensive coordinator of the South Carolina State Bulldogs was doing his best Wednesday to explain why he is no longer a member of the team’s coaching staff. Health was a key factor in making the decision.

“I’m at the point, I’m 40, and I missed some time last spring with a heart catheterization,” he said. “The spring before that, I missed some time during recruiting with some health issues.” A look at the family tree dictates maybe it is time to take a step back. “My father died of a heart attack when he was 47,” Blackwell said. “My grandfather died when he was 39. We have five generations that haven’t lived past 47.”

Needless to say, Blackwell has a good cardiologist on call. But, the man who called the plays for an offense that ranked first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in scoring (30.4 ppg) and second total offense (365.8 ypg) a season ago, didn’t step away just because of his health. Blackwell said he is not a “money guy.” But, he stepped away, in part, because of money.

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South Carolina State Releases 2010 Football Schedule

ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State, Thursday, announced its 2010 football schedule, which includes five home games for a second straight year, one Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent and two new teams. The two teams on the 2010 slate that were not on last year’s schedule are Mississippi Valley of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and intrastate rival Benedict. SC State will host Mississippi Valley Sept. 11, renewing a rivalry that has been dormant since 1961, and meet Benedict a week later – Sept. 18 – in Columbia. The Tigers return to the schedule after a one-year hiatus.

The Bulldogs, two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions, open the 2010 campaign Sept. 4 at Georgia Tech, marking the fourth straight year Coach Buddy Pough’s squad will face an FBS team. In addition to Mississippi Valley State, other home games are Norfolk State (Oct. 9), Bethune-Cookman (Oct. 16), Hampton, the homecoming contest (Oct. 23), and Howard (Nov. 6).

SCSU Bulldogs Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough opens the 2010 schedule at Georgia Tech, 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Champions

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2010 SCSU Bulldogs Football Schedule
9/4 at Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA TBD
9/11 Mississippi Valley State Orangeburg, SC TBD
(Hall of Fame)
9/18 at Benedict Columbia, SC TBD
9/25 Open
10/2 at Florida A&M* Tallahassee, FL TBD
10/9 Norfolk State* Orangeburg, SC TBD
(Youth/ROTC Day)
10/16 Bethune-Cookman * Orangeburg, SC TBD
(Community Day)
10/23 Hampton* Orangeburg, SC TBD
(Homecoming)
10/30 at Delaware State* Dover, DE TBD
11/6 Howard* Orangeburg, SC TBD
(Senior Day)
11/13 at Morgan State* Baltimore, MD TBD
11/20 at North Carolina A&T* Greensboro, NC TDB

11/27 NCAA FCS Division I Playoffs
*MEAC Contest

Morris: FCS playoffs should be prize for South Carolina State

South Carolina State University highly talented quarterback Malcolm Long may have never played for the Bulldogs, if they were a none FCS Playoff participating program. The 2007 titled, "Mr. South Carolina" star player had may Division IA school choices available when coming out of Gaffney High School (S.C.) three seasons ago.

Worse ideas have come along in college football. It's just difficult to remember one. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is contemplating a requirement that its regular-season champion play against the champion from the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the historically black college national championship. It would be the revival of the Heritage Bowl, which died a slow death in the late 1990s when fans realized the game held little or no significance.

Such a game makes sense for one reason only - money. With a TV deal and a healthy gate at a neutral site, the black national title game could be a financial boom to both leagues. The problem is that by playing in the game, representatives from the MEAC and SWAC would forfeit any chance of playing in the FCS playoffs, which bring with it much national exposure for the participating team and its league. The SWAC already suffers from an inferiority complex and does not participate in the FCS playoffs.

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Pough tabbed Palmetto State Coach of the Year

South Carolina State head football coach Buddy Pough has been named the 2009 Palmetto State College Coach of the Year and five Bulldogs earned a spot on the All-State team as selected by The (Columbia, SC) State newspaper and announced Wednesday. Pough guided SC State to a 10-2 overall record -- 8-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – its second straight MEAC title and back-to-back appearances in the FCS playoffs.

Bulldogs named to the All-State team were running back Will Ford, wide receiver and return specialist Tre’ Young, offensive lineman Johnny Culbreath, linebacker David Erby and defensive back Phillip Adams. Ford, Young and Adams are all departing seniors, while Erby and Culbreath are juniors. Wednesday’s announcement was the second major accolade bestowed on SC State this week. On Monday, SC State was declared the 2009 National Black Champion by the Sheridan Broadcasting Network.

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SC State moves to extend Pough's contract

SC State moves to extend Pough's contract

At a time when colleges are filling head football coaching vacancies, South Carolina State furthered efforts Friday to keep around longer Oliver ‘Buddy’ Pough. On Friday, school attorney Ed Givens presented to the Board of Trustees a copy of a four-year contract extension offer given Thursday to Pough’s attorney Ricky Lefft. The deal would retain Pough at his alma mater through 2015 and increase his annual base salary starting in 2012 to $225,000. Pough was also reportedly given the right to hire nine assistant coaches and raise on his own outside funds, 40 percent of which would go back to the university’s athletics department.

Bulldogs take in $250000 more in 2009 season

South Carolina State University’s Bulldogs brought in more fans and money this year, the athletics director said. The creation of the Gamezone helped increase gross revenue for the 2009 football season more than $250,000 over 2008, Charlene Johnson said during an S.C. State board committee meeting. “I attribute promotion of football earlier in the year and Gamezone to that success,” Johnson said. Gamezone, “is still a work in progress.” Starting this season, the university began requiring fans to have a ticket to gain entry to the Gamezone area surrounding the stadium and pay for special parking passes in advance. The controversial policy is meant to generate additional revenue for the university during tight financial times, cut down on loitering and get more fans into the stands.

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Appalachian State 20, South Carolina State 13

Is ASU's dominance at an end?

The Appalachian State football dynasty has been built on several factors, including the decision of coach Jerry Moore and his staff several years ago to commit to the spread offense, the successful recruiting of athletes who can play that style, a loyal, talented coaching staff that provides continuity and the full backing of an administration that has figured out how vital a successful football program can be for the entire university. Since 2006 the Mountaineers are 62-11, won three consecutive national championships (2006-08), four Southern Conference titles (stretching that domination to five straight league crowns) and have posted a 14-1 record in the playoffs.

Will Ford's college career comes to a sudden, crashing halt

BOONE, N.C. — The end came sooner for Will Ford than it ultimately did for South Carolina State Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. It came with 2:04 remaining and the Bulldogs trying to drive downfield for the go-ahead score against Appalachian State. With the Mountaineers’ defense shutting down the Bulldogs’ rushing game, Ford looked to catch a short pass from quarterback Malcolm Long for a first down. Ford was tackled two yards shy of the first down and began to favor his left knee.

The team trainers rushed to the field and helped carry the all-time Bulldog and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rushing leader to the sidelines. As Ford cheered the team from the training table with his sprained knee wrapped in ice, little did he realize it was the last time he would carry the football in college. For the Travelers Rest native, how the Bulldogs lost 20-13 to Appalachian State was less important than seeing his prolific college career abruptly end.

South Carolina State Bulldogs Quarterback Malcolm Long was 18 of 36 for 189 yards and a season-high three interceptions against Appalachian State.

Mountaineers benefit from SC State error to break tie

BOONE, N.C. - As S.C. State was lining up for a fourth-quarter field-goal attempt that could have put the continuation of Appalachian State's football season in grave danger, Mountaineers coach Jerry Moore was studying his notes in preparation for one, maybe two more possessions. The score was tied, the Bulldogs were staring at a 41-yard field-goal attempt and the Mountaineers were in trouble.

When Moore looked up, the ball was loose, Appalachian State's Dominique McDuffie was scooping it up and on his way to a 50-yard touchdown run with 7minutes, 42seconds remaining that proved to be the difference in the Mountaineers' tough 20-13 victory Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. In a game littered with 10 turnovers - five by each team - Appalachian State (10-2) was able to advance to a quarterfinal game next Saturday at Richmond. "When you're in a playoff run, you've got to be good enough, some would say lucky enough, to win a ballgame like today," Moore said.

Attendance: 12,216 (56% of Capacity) @ Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, N.C. (Capacity: 21,650).

Richmond, Appalachian State meet again

Again, they meet. For the third time in three years, the University of Richmond will face Appalachian State in the FCS playoffs. The Mountaineers visit UR Stadium on Saturday in the FCS quarterfinals (time to be determined). The teams combined to win the past four FCS titles. The Mountaineers captured national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. UR won last season. "I think it's going to be an incredible physical battle," said Elon coach Pete Lembo, whose Phoenix fell 27-10 to Appalachian two weeks ago, and to the Spiders 16-13 yesterday.

"These are two big, strong, physical teams. I think they're two teams with corners that can really cover and obviously quarterbacks that are winners. [ASU's Armanti Edwards and UR's Eric Ward] just find a way to make plays." Richmond (11-1) gets home-field advantage as the fourth seed in the FCS tournament. Unseeded Appalachian (10-2) has won 10 straight after opening with losses to East Carolina (29-24) and McNeese State (40-35). ASU hasn't played a playoff game on the road since 2001.

Bulldogs await next group of leaders

BOONE, N.C. - Another year, another difficult loss at the hands of perennial FCS power Appalachian State. S.C. State coach Buddy Pough wasn't ready to look ahead after Saturday's 20-13 loss to the Mountaineers, but he realizes the Bulldogs have established themselves as a power as well. The two-time defending MEAC champions just haven't quite been able to get past ASU. He's losing two great offensive players in running back Will Ford and receiver Tre Young, the leading rusher and pass catcher, respectively, in school history. But he isn't concerned about a big drop-off in talent in Orangeburg. "We'll be OK," Pough said. "The good thing about being a decent program is you'll lose good players every year, but as you lose them, other guys are waiting in the wings to take those responsibilities."

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South Carolina State 37, Morgan State 13

South Carolina State Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough is FCS Division I playoff bound. The powerhouse 2008 and 2009 MEAC Champions have won 18 consecutive conference games for a new MEAC record.

SC State Clinches MEAC Title With 37-13 Win Over Morgan State

ORANGEBURG, SC—Junior quarterback Malcolm Long connected for 21-32 for 319 yards and four touchdowns, while senior wide receiver Oliver Tre’ Young had a career day with six catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns as South Carolina State clinched their second-straight league title and a playoff berth with a 37-13 victory over Morgan State Saturday.

Young, who also posted 313 All-purpose yards with 108 coming from punt returns, broke the SC State Career Reception Record held by Tavarus Morgan. Also, junior Malcolm Long became the schools first 2,000-yard passer with his performance on the day. “I am very excited about winning the game and even more about winning another MEAC Title,” said SC State coach Buddy Pough. “I am very impressed with Tre’ Young’s play today.”

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 27-7 lead in the first-half. Ford scored the first touchdown of the game on a 19-yard toss from Long with 9:04 left in the first quarter. Long put the Bulldogs ahead 14-0 on a 45-yard bomb to Oliver Tre’ Young. Morgan State scored to pull within seven on a 7-yard punch from quarterback Carlton Jackson with to close out the first quarter.

Sophomore kicker Blake Erickson scored six of the Bulldogs 13 points in the second quarter with field goals of 24 and 29. SC State closed the half with a 27-7 lead. Pough stated, “We didn’t play as effectively as I would have liked us to be, but overall we were able to get the job done throwing some deep balls.”

Long’s 12-yard connection with Young in the third quarter open up the lead and the Bulldogs took a 34-7 advantage and sealed the victory for Coach Pough’s team. All-MEAC running back Will Ford finished the day with 20 rushes for 107 yards. Ford is just 155 yards why of becoming the MEAC All-Time leading rusher. “Our goal is to get into the playoffs and make some noise”, said Pough. “It would be really nice for our fans and community if we could host a playoff game."
South Carolina State will close out the regular season against rival North Carolina A&T in a 1:30 p.m. showdown on Saturday.

Courtesy: SC State



SC State repeats as MEAC champs

ORANGEBURG -- The outcome was a mere formality with 6 minutes left in the third quarter Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. With the news of Florida A&M's 25-0 loss at Hampton, ninth-ranked South Carolina State was assured a second straight Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth and a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title. As long as the Bulldogs avoided another comeback from double-digits by the Bears, a second consecutive outright title and a MEAC-record 18th straight win would await them at the final whistle.

S.C. State (9-1, 7-0 MEAC) finished out the 37-13 victory over Morgan State (5-5, 3-4) on a record-setting day before 10,542 fans for quarterback Malcolm Long and wide receiver Tre' Young. Long completed 21 of 32 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns to become the first Bulldogs QB in the program's 102-year history to pass for over 2,000 yards in a season. Long's four scores also tied a single-game school record, with Young responsible for two of the touchdown catches. The former Burke High standout had six catches for 166 yards in breaking the school record for career receptions and also had 148 yards in kick returns.

Gallery: S.C. State vs. Morgan State

Top-ranked SC State clinch MEAC Title, drop Bears 37-13

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The top-ranked Bulldogs of South Carolina State took care of business on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Dawson Bulldog Stadium in front of 10,542 fans. Malcolm Long threw four touchdown passes and OliverTre Young accounted for 313 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs beat Morgan State 37-13 Saturday for its 18th consecutive Mid –Eastern Athletic Conference win and clinched its second straight MEAC Title.

The Bears (5-5, 3-4) dropped its four straight game, while SCSU played another well-rounded game and improved to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in the conference. William Ford, the MEAC’s leading rusher last year, scored on a 19-yard screen play and Young caught a 45-yard touchdown bomb from Long to help the Bulldogs jump out to an early 14-0. Long connected on 21-of-32 passes for 319 of the Dawgs’ 448 total yards. Young led all receivers with six tackles for 166 yards.

Attendance: 10,542 @ Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, S.C.

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South Carolina State 52, Delaware State 10

S.C. State 2nd string QB Derrick Wiley serves as Malcolm Long backup but would be the starter at most MEAC programs.

Delaware State Falls to S. Carolina State

ORANGEBURG, S.C. --- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference leader South Carolina State racked up more than 500 total yards in a 52-10 win over Delaware State before 21,257 delighted homecoming fans at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs won their fourth straight game to improve to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the MEAC. SC State has won 16 straight league games since the 2007 season. The defending MEAC champions were ranked 10th in the latest SportsNetwork and AFCA Coaches polls of Top 25 Football Championship Subdivision teams entering the contest.

The Hornets fell to 2-6 overall and 2-4 in the MEAC. The 42-point margin was the Bulldogs' largest over the Hornets since a 52-6 victory in 1979. "South Carolina State is an outstanding team, and my greatest fear this week was realized," said Delaware State head coach Al Lavan, who fell to 2-4 vs. South Carolina State and 38-28 in MEAC games. "We gave the Bulldogs a short field for most of the first half, and they took advantage of every opportunity. South Carolina State showed everyone why they are the best team in our league."

Bulldogs win with full house

ORANGEBURG Tre Young was happy - but puzzled - when he heard his name announced Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in the late moments of South Carolina State's 52-10 demolition of Delaware State. Young, a senior receiver, had just broken the school record for career reception yards previously held by Charlie Brown (1977-80). With four catches for 135 yards, including a game-changing, 80-yard touchdown toss from Malcolm Long, Young has 1,734 yards.

Just one problem: Young professed not to know anything about Brown, the former Washington Redskins great who - oh, callow youth! - was in attendance for S.C. State's homecoming. "I heard that over the (public-address system), and I was shocked. I never broke any records in high school even," he said. So what about his famed predecessor? "I'm gonna have to Google him," Young said, shaking his head. Never mind that a recount later revealed Young had broken Brown's record the week before, one day before his 24th birthday. These days, S.C. State, ranked 10th in the FCS, is so prolific in all areas that it's easy to lose count.

Photo Gallery: S.C. State vs. Delaware

Little goes right for DSU in blowout

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- The game was long out of hand when Delaware State quarterback Nick Elko looked to his right and let go of a pass to Phillip Adams late in the fourth quarter Saturday afternoon inside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. It was a nice pass from Elko, a spiral into the flat, and Adams caught it clean. If Adams had been a Hornets' receiver it would have likely been a 10-yard pickup or so. Unfortunately for Delaware State, Adams was a South Carolina State defensive back, by himself in the right place at the right time, and instead of a nice pickup for the Hornets, the senior turned the play into a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown with just 12 seconds to play, giving the 10th-ranked Bulldogs the final points in a 52-10 win.

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Week Eight: No Suprises in MEAC/SWAC

Prarie View A&M head football coach Henry Frazier III and the Panthers are doing the laughing now as the team to beat in the SWAC.

Lookin' Ahead

As expected, South Carolina State is steamrolling everyone in the MEAC and Prairie View A&M is the class of the SWAC. We don't see South Carolina State stumbling with a remaining schedule consisting of Howard, Morgan State and North Carolina A&T. If the Bulldogs stay healthy, they should make some real noise in the FCS Playoffs.

The only unanswered MEAC question is--will the FCS Playoff Selection Committee invite Florida A&M with only two losses? FAMU loss two road games, to #11 ranked Miami and highly regarded MEAC power S.C. State. Just expect the Rattlers to continue to find a way to win with QB Curtis Pulley and electrifying kick returner, LeRoy Vann leading the way. The Rattlers remaining games starts with North Carolina A&T at home next Saturday. Coach Joe Taylor has a homecoming date with Hampton on Nov. 14. But the snakes must face an in-state rival with no place to go and nothing up for grabs other than state bragging rights. Look for the regular season final with Bethune Cookman to be a game where legends are born--for Curtis Pulley, LeRoy Vann and a host of Rattlers defenders. You don't want to miss this barn burner on Nov. 21 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.

Close call, but expect to see Joe Taylor's FAMU Rattlers in the FCS Playoffs! Now, let's catch up on last week games.

Florida A&M 34, Norfolk St. 20
South Carolina St. 21, Hampton 9
North Carolina A&T 30, Howard 19
Delaware St. 35, Morgan St. 22
Winston Salem St. 16, Bethune Cookman 10
Alabama St. 24, Alcorn St. 17
Jackson St. 25, MVSU 16
Arkansas Pine Bluff 38, Edward Waters 12
Prairie View 16, Southern 14
Old Dominion 38, Savannah St. 17

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Final: Alabama State 24, Alcorn State 17
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Prairie View in driver's seat

Panthers break through
Fourth Quarter Heroics Propels Panthers To A 16-14 Win Over Southern
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Six-cess: ODU clinches winning record with 3rd-straight win

South Carolina State Bulldogs 27, Winston Salem State Rams 10

Long Leads #14 SCSU Over WSSU 27-10

ORANGEBURG, SC- Junior Malcolm Long led the air attack connecting 22 for 33 and 274 yards and one touchdown, while senior Oliver Tre' Young led the receiving corps with 148 yards and one touchdown on nine catches to lead SC State to a 27-10 victory over Winston-Salem State at Oliver C. Dawson on Saturday. "I am happy to come away with a win over a tough Winston-Salem State team tonight," stated Pough. "Play on the field is not as good as in practice so we need to work on a few things."

The Bulldogs jumped out to 10-0 lead off a 23-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Blake Erickson for the first score of the game in the first quarter. Long then connected with wide receiver Tre' Young on a 14-yard touchdown score to close out the first-half. SC State would start off the third quarter on 28-yard field goal by Erickson to extend the lead to 13-3 at the 12:06 mark. The Bulldogs took control of the lead on a 3-yard punch by All-MEAC running back Will Ford with 6:58 left in the third to make the score 20-3.



The Rams scored their only touchdown on the night on a 6-yard pass from Brian Wynn to Dustin Jarrett to pull within ten, 20-10 with 8:00 minutes left in the game. Ford sealed the deal with a 30-yard touchdown scamper with 2:58 left and the Bulldogs cruised to a 27-10 non-conference victory. "Penalties really hurt us I think so we need to be smarter about the plays we make," stated Pough. We didn't get as much out our special teams as I would have liked but we got our work cut out for us next week against South Carolina.

South Carolina State racked up 454 total yards on offense and improved to 3-0 overall, 1-0 in the MEAC. Ford finished the day with 104 yards and two touchdowns. Senior linebacker David Erby led the Bulldog defense with nine tackles. SC State returns to action on Saturday as the travel to face intrastate rival University of South Carolina in a 7p.m. showdown. The game will be televised live on ESPN Classic.

Courtesy: SC State

Rams lose again, fall to 0-4

Winston-Salem State was its own worst enemy Saturday night against S.C. State. The Rams had more penalties (13) than first downs (12) in a 27-10 loss to the Bulldogs in front of 15,903 at Dawson Stadium. As Coach Kermit Blount of the Rams walked off the field between two South Carolina state troopers his head was down after watching his team make mistake after mistake on offense. The Rams had six false-start penalties from their young offensive line, and many of those killed the momentum on several drives.

S.C. State Tre Young makes big gain on the Rams.

"I don't know," Blount said about why his team had so many false starts. "I guess playing with a freshman center, but he should have all those kinks worked out by now. But I'm not one to make excuses, we had opportunities all night long and we just didn't capitalize." The Rams fell to 0-4 and have now lost six straight going back to last season. It's the longest losing streak in Blount's 17-year career at WSSU. The Bulldogs (3-0) rolled up 454 yards of offense with quarterback Malcolm Long doing most of the damage. Long was 22 of 33 for 274 yards and a touchdown pass.

Bulldogs defeat Winston-Salem State, 27-10

The numbers both did and didn’t tell the complete story for South Carolina State Saturday night. An estimated 15,903 fans inside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, the most for a home opener in over a decade, witnessed the 14th-ranked Bulldogs remain undefeated with a 27-10 victory over Winston-Salem State. S.C. State (3-0, 1-0) posted a season-high 454 total yards as quarterback Malcolm Long had a career game against the school he chose the Bulldogs over with 279 yards on 22 of 33 passing and a touchdown. Charleston native Tre Young was the recipient of many of Long’s throws with nine catches for 148 yards.

This was also the first 100-plus yard game for senior tailback Will Ford. The Travelers Rest native had 104 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to move past Hampton’s Montrell Coley into fourth place on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s career-rushing list. The Bulldog defense once again excelled as it held the winless Rams (0-4) to 10 points for the fourth consecutive game and allowed just 80 passing yards. Yet for all the gaudy numbers, head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough was less than satisfied with the victory. In fact, he was more than candid about his team’s chance this season if they do not show improvement soon.

One-on-One with Charlene Johnson

Charlene Johnson has been South Carolina State University's athletic director since 2005 and her association with the school spans 25 years. An Allendale County native, Johnson played a key role on S.C. State's 1979 AIAW national championship basketball team. She has been an S.C. State volleyball and tennis head coach, and an assistant basketball coach. Away from work, Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband Virgin and children Taylor and Trey and likes to watch sporting events and HGTV. While fielding ticket requests for S.C. State's game at South Carolina on Saturday night, she spoke with The Post and Courier's Gene Sapakoff.

I'm guessing you didn't go around as a kid saying, "I want to be a college athletic director when I grow up." "The thought never crossed my mind growing up. But after being at South Carolina State and being a Health and Physical Education major, I knew I wanted to coach and I kept thinking that as I matriculated through college."

What is it like being one of the only women serving as an athletic director in college sports? "When I was first named interim athletic director back in 2004, it was like I was kind of thrown into the water, sink or swim. Then being exposed to the folks in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference -- all the coaches, athletic directors and commissioners -- you learn a lot in a hurry. Having coached and being the first female on the (S.C. State) staff at the time, I had a lot of early training. So by the time I advanced to being athletic director, I had already had a baptism by fire. And I really didn't have too much time to think 'Oh, gosh, I'm a female.' I just had to roll up my sleeves and go to work."

SC State wins, but Bulldogs not happy

On paper at least, South Carolina State had a good showing in its home opener on Saturday night before 15,903 fans at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. The defending MEAC champion Bulldogs improved to 3-0 with a 27-10 victory against winless Winston-Salem State. Quarterback Malcolm Long had a career-high 272 yards passing, receiver Tre' Young had a career night with nine catches for 148 yards and All-America running back Will Ford had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. The Bulldogs finished with 23 first downs and 454 yards on offense, and the defense limited the Rams to 10 first downs and 202 yards.

S.C. State Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough was not happy with the Bulldog performance. Up Next: at South Carolina Gamecocks

But the Bulldogs' body language as they trudged off the field to the locker room told a different story. There were few smiles on the faces of the winners and none of the horseplay and interaction with the crowd that is typical after a 17-point win. S.C. State Buddy Pough painted a bleak picture after the game, making it crystal clear that the performance was not merely an isolated case of a team coming out flat against a lackluster opponent. "If we don't start playing better than we are right now, this will be a three-or-four loss team by the end of the season, no doubt about it," was his stark assessment.

Gallery: S.C. State vs. Winston-Salem State

Attendance: 15,903 at Dawson Bulldog Stadium, Orangeburg, SC

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