South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry says his Bulldogs are healthy, confident and ready to chase another Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title as they head into Saturday’s game at Norfolk State.
Coming off a bye week and a 4-3 nonconference slate, Berry said his team used the break to regroup and refocus for the stretch run.
“I love where we are right now,” Berry said this week. “We’re a confident football team. We’re a healthy football team. We got a chance to do some self-scouting, find out what people see when they watch us on film, and our guys came back locked in.”
The Bulldogs will face a 1-6 Norfolk State squad that Berry insists his team isn’t taking lightly.
“We don’t look at records, man,” he said. “We’re a one-and-0 kind of mindset team. They’ve been in every game, they’re well-coached, and they’ve got outstanding athletes. The separation is in the preparation.”
Berry, now in his second season leading the defending MEAC champions, said his defense has been the team’s anchor so far.
“Our defense is playing some really good ball right now,” Berry said. “It starts with the big boys up front If you can’t block us, it’s hard to beat us. We’re playing about eight to 10 guys on the defensive line, and they’re keeping each other fresh.”
He highlighted defensive lineman Josh Barker and a linebacker group that includes a recent national defensive player of the week honoree. The Bulldogs have allowed just one offensive touchdown over the past two games.
Berry said the key Saturday will be stopping Norfolk State’s balanced attack, led by a productive quarterback and two of the league’s top receivers.
“They’ve got two running backs who can really go, and their receivers can make plays,” Berry said. “For us, it starts with stopping the run. If we can do that, we can make teams one-dimensional and let our defense hunt.”
Despite winning the MEAC last season, Berry said this year’s Bulldogs are embracing a fresh identity.
“We are where we’re supposed to be,” he said. “This is a new team, new season. South Carolina State expects to win – that’s the standard here. The separation comes in the preparation, and our young men will be ready to go.”
South Carolina State will face Norfolk State at 2 p.m. Saturday at Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
