Freshman Nathan Wilson nailed an 18-yard field goal in overtime to give Delaware State a 27-24 victory over defending MEAC and HBCU champ South Carolina State on Saturday.
The Hornets won at SC State for the first time since 2007 to improve to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the MEAC. The Bulldogs dropped their second straight game to fall to 3-6 and 1-2.
South Carolina State had the first overtime possession, but an attempted pass by Tyrece Nick on the first play was intercepted by Delaware State cornerback Charles Peeler, his first of the season.
After four consecutive running plays advanced the Hornets to the SC State one-yard line, head coach Rod Milstead turned to Wilson, who split the uprights.
The win also improved the Hornets’ hopes alive for their first winning season since 2012. Delaware State also moved into sole possession of third place in the 2022 MEAC standings, trailing only North Carolina Central (3-1) and Howard (2-1). The Hornets’ MEAC losses this season are to NC Central and Howard.
Delaware State led 24-17 following its third touchdown of the game on a one-yard touchdown grab by tight end Myles Morales on a pop pass after a direct snap to running back Wade Inge.
South Carolina State tied the game at 24 on a touchdown pass in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
The Hornets scored first on a two-yard touchdown run by Thomas Bertrand-Hudson and opened up a 24-14 lead on a 25-yard TD run by Marquis Gillis.
Gillis has rushed for a touchdown in four of the last five games and has a team-high six this season.
Courtesy: Delaware State Athletics
