South Carolina State is returning to the Celebration Bowl.
The Bulldogs, in their first year under new head coach Chennis Berry, coasted to a 54-7 win at Morgan State Saturday. They wrapped up the MEAC championship for the first time since Buddy Pough’s team defeated Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl in 2021.
The Bulldogs’ next Celebration Bowl appearance will be Saturday, Dec. 14, when they face the winner of the SWAC championship game between Jackson State and Southern.
The Bulldogs improved to 8-2 on the season and 4-0 in MEAC play, while Morgan State fell to 5-6 overall and 2-2 in MEAC competition.
Here are the key points to the Bulldogs’ big day.
South Carolina State had a Plan B
South Carolina State was rolling as usual with Eric Phoenix as starting quarterback (10-for-11 passing, 85 yards, and a touchdown), but after a 15-yard run in the first quarter that ended with an awkward slide, Phoenix limped off the field and did not return to the game.
All that did was give Incarnate Word transfer Ryan Stubblefield a chance to shine, and he did just that, completing 7 of 11 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns – a five-yard rainbow to the corner that Caden High showed outstanding footwork on and a 15-yard strike to reliable tight end Keishawn Toney.
Stubblefield showed he could also do damage with his feet, running for a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter. There is no immediate word on the severity of Phoenix’s injury, but with a good Plan B like Ryan Stubblefield in place, South Carolina State will be ready for next week’s MEAC finale against Norfolk State.
TYLER SMITH with an 80 Plus Yard TD RUN!
SHEESH@SCStateAthletic @SCSTATE1896 @MEACSports @coachberry77 #PayTheFEE#DigDEEP#FearTheBITE
🔴🔵🐶🏈 pic.twitter.com/yeL0zm1B4s— South Carolina State Football (@SCState_Fb) November 16, 2024
The Bulldogs defense feasted
One week after snatching four interceptions from Howard, South Carolina State picked off three Morgan State passes, two of which went for touchdowns.
The first pick-six went to Jarod Washington, who took a Duce Taylor pass 32 yards the other way to the end zone for a 13-0 Bulldog lead in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Diego Addison stole a Dominique Anthony pass in the end zone and weaved his way downfield for a 100-yard touchdown.
Bryce McIntosh had the other interception for SCSU.
Hard to bear the Morgan State offense
After two weeks of 35-plus point performances, Morgan State picked the worst possible time to revert to their previous form, scoring only 7 points, and it took a well-designed reverse that receiver/return man Malique Leatherbury from 10 yards away to get that done.
That drive was sparked by a sack and forced fumble by Chib Aguayo that Elijah Williams recovered.
The Morgan State defense has been top-notch, but the offense will need to be addressed for this team to become a MEAC contender.
The Bulldogs tradition continues in new era
Chennis Berry, in just his first season as South Carolina State head coach, joined some elite company with Saturday’s win.
Caught up with @coachberry77 after @SCState_Fb BIG win over Morgan State and securing the @MEACSports Championship. Congrats @SCStateAthletic @SCSTATE1896. This is just Coach Berry’s first season yall! Scary work 💪🏽🔥🔥🔥#PayTheFEE #digdeep #fearthebite pic.twitter.com/AXwQAdLwXQ
— Urban Sports Scene (@UrbanSportScene) November 17, 2024
Each of SC State’s previous three coaches – Willie Jefferies in two different stints, Bill Davis, and Buddy Pough – each won MEAC championships. Berry makes it four and becomes the first in that select group to win it in his first season.
There’s little question who the MEAC’s signature football program is. With 19 conference titles and Berry at the helm, this may just be the beginning of a South Carolina State revival.
