DURHAM, NC — Senior running back Laron Morris rushed for a career-best 135-yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns to lead South Carolina State to an, 24-0, shutout victory over North Carolina Central Saturday 0’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
“Big win today on the road,” said head coach Buddy Pough. “I told my guys all along we controlled our own fate all we have to do is win one game at a time. I have to take my hats off to NCCU despite the score they gave us trouble in all areas, but I am glad we were able to hold tight and come away with the win.”
Senior wide receiver De’ Montrez Burroughs set yet another school record-tying for most touchdowns in a season (13) and career (20) after 25-yard touchdown reception from redshirt freshman quarterback Corey Fields at the 13:06 mark in the first quarter.
Morris gave the Bulldogs and 14-0 lead on a 3-yard punch with 0:35 seconds remaining before the half. Burroughs and redshirt Shaquan Davis suffered injuries midway through the second quarter and did not return.
The second-half South Carolina State continued to control the tempo after sophomore Dillon Bredesen nailed a 44-yard field goal, his longest of the year to push the lead 17-0 with 5:09 remaining in the third.
Morris’s 2-yard run with 0:56 seconds left gave the senior his second rushing touchdown of the day and the Bulldogs a commanding 24-0 lead.
Despite the loss, NCCU held South Carolina State to 42-yards passing on the day. The Bulldogs managed to control their own destiny in time of possession at 35:29.
Sophomore defensive back Jaydon Brunson led the defense with a team-high seven tackles and one forced fumble, while senior linebacker Chad Gilchrist added six in the win.
Graduate student Cliff Benjamin, Jr. had a solid day punting with nine (9) punts for 337-yards and an average of 37.4 yards per punt, along with four (4) inside the 20 and two (2) touchbacks,
With the win, South Carolina State is tied for first place with North Carolina A&T in the league at 5-2 in the MEAC. The Bulldogs need to win next week and an N.C. A&T loss to NCCU to capture the MEAC Title outright.
N.C. A&T holds the tiebreaker if both teams finish the conference at 6-2 overall.
Next up South Carolina State close out the regular season on the road against Norfolk State Saturday (Nov. 23) at Dick Price Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN3.
Courtesy: SCSU Athletics
