South Carolina State scored 56 fewer points against Florida A&M than they did against Savannah State but still found a way to win the Orange Blossom Classic.
The defending Black College National Champions gave up the first three points of the game to Florida A&M and not much else on the way to a 31-13 victory at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Here are five takeaways from the Bulldogs’ 11th straight win dating back to last season.
MPH was speeding against the Rattlers
Sophomore running back Mason Pickett-Hicks was hampered by injuries a season ago, and the MEAC should be terrified of what a healthy MPH can accomplish.
Pickett-Hicks collected 210 rushing yards on just 17 carries, including a 58-yard touchdown on the Bulldogs’ second offensive play to give them the lead for good at 7-3. The Rattlers had a hard time even getting a hand on him and that was one of the keys to victory for SCSU.
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Who let the Dogs out?
The defensive line trio of Ka’Von Chisolm, Joshua Barker and Jordan Dollard led a smothering defensive effort, collecting 4 1/2 sacks and holding FAMU to just 161 yards of total offense.
S.C. State has always been historically strong in the trenches and Chisolm, Barker, and Dollard just moved the Rattler offensive line around at will. Makes it tough to get your offense going when three defenders of that caliber are dominating the way they did Sunday night.
Two QBs are better than one?
While Keely Watson got the bulk of the reps for the Bulldogs, Ronnie Watson did see some action as well. Only Watson’s two interceptions, one an 80-yard pick six by Justin Bostic, should be cause for concern. Both QBs managed the game well and called plays that ended up being the best bet for SCSU.
Team ball wins games
When an entire football team is committed to the same goal, along with having the talent to achieve their goals, they’re pretty tough to beat, usually.
South Carolina State is no exception. Aside from the stellar running game and punishing defense, everyone found a way to contribute.
Kicker Jett Jackson was four-for-four on extra points and nailed a 39-yard field goal late, while punter Max’Ceon Cobb averaged 44 yards a boot, giving the Rattlers little time and space to get good field position for their offense. Also, receivers Malaqhi Jones (6 catches for 72 yards) and Troy Hillman (37-yard reception) helped keep the Rattler defense off balance to create running room for Pickett-Hicks, Josh Shaw and other Bulldog ball carriers.
Winners win
South Carolina State scored 56 fewer points than their historic drubbing of Savannah State a week ago but still had little trouble proving why they’ll be hard to dethrone as Black College National Champions. A strong defense, a versatile offense and a culture of winning that started many moons ago but continues to thrive under Chennis Berry means that the Bulldogs should be the favorites again this year.
