After a thrilling 55–41 win over Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State head football coach Chennis Berry praised his team’s balanced offensive attack and emphasized a renewed focus on discipline as the Bulldogs prepare to face FBS opponent South Florida.
“It was a great win. To God be the glory,” Berry said during a media availability. “We found a way to win a football game, and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield led the way through the air with 286 yards while the Bulldogs tallied five rushing touchdowns and over 200 yards on the ground. South Carolina State (2-1 in 2025) also saw contributions in all three phases of the game.
“We were very intentional about how we wanted to play — disciplined and physical,” said Berry, an offensive line coach by trade. “Those big guys up front were flying around. When your offensive line plays like that, you can run the football.”
The victory came despite giving up 41 points — a rare defensive lapse for a Berry-coached team.
“We haven’t given up that many points before,” Berry acknowledged. “That’s on me. We got a little comfortable after going up 27–0, but we’ve already addressed it. We had great meetings and practice, and the guys are still locked in.”
South Carolina State will now turn its attention to a tough matchup on Saturday against South Florida team in Tampa. The Bulls have faced a grueling schedule already, including games against Boise State, Florida and Miami.
“When we play up, we just focus on us,” Berry said. “Fundamentals, footwork, and playing sound football. We’re going to compete for 60 minutes.”
Berry also noted several standout performances from young players, including a true freshman starting at right guard and Mason Pickett-Hicks, a freshman running back who broke off a 70-yard touchdown run. Wide receivers Jordan Smith and Deyandre Ruffin both had big games, each approaching or surpassing 100 yards receiving.
Despite the upcoming challenge, Berry remains confident in his team’s ability to stay focused.
“We’re a locked-in football team,” he said. “We learn from our mistakes, and we grow from them. That’s what this program is about.”
The Bulldogs face South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on ESPN+.
This story was drafted using an AI tool based on the transcript of the MEAC weekly coaches’ conference and was then reviewed and edited by a journalist before publishing.
