The #23 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats proved why their offense is among the best in the nation, handing the #10 SC State Bulldogs their first home loss since 2007 14-0 at Oliver .C Dawson Stadium Saturday.
The #23 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats proved why their offense is among the best in the nation, handing the #10 SC State Bulldogs their first home loss since 2007 14-0 at Oliver .C Dawson Stadium Saturday.
/ Sara Jane Harris
ORANGEBURG, SC—The #23 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats proved why their offense is among the best in the nation, handing the #10 SC State Bulldogs their first home loss since 2007 14-0 at Oliver .C Dawson Stadium Saturday.
Despite managing 304 yards total offense the Bulldogs got off to a slow start which resulted in the Wildcats taking advantage of every opportunity.
“We were not effective enough on offense,” stated SC State head coach Buddy Pough. “They defended us well and did enough on offense to beat us. I take my hats off to them.”
The Wildcats made its early on with a 16-yard reverse pass for a touchdown from junior wide receiver Maurice François to senior wide receiver Jevaughn Reams to go ahead 7-0 with 4:51 left in the first-half.
Junior linebacker Ryan Lewis picked off quarterback Malcolm Long twice in the second-half to set up to set up the Bethune-Cookman’s second score of the day. Androse Bell punched in a one yard run to give the Wildcats a 14-0 lead at the 7:10 mark in the third quarter.
SC State put together an impressive drive with backup quarterback Derrick Wiley leading the Bulldogs into the Bethune-Cookman’s red zone n the 8-yard line. Wiley’s fumble at the two yard line gave Bethune-Cookman the break they needed to defeat the two-time defending MEAC Champs at home 14-0.
Bethune-Cookman snaps a 13-game home winning streak for the Bulldogs as well as a 21-game MEAC winning streak. Leading the way in rushing and passing for the Wildcats was senior quarterback Matt Johnson with 12 carries for 56 yards on the ground and throwing 15-27 for 172 yards and one interception.
Both Pough and his senior quarterback Malcolm noted latter they he did not have a good game, however Plough stated, “ He was surprised that the crowd booed Long.”
“Malcolm did not have a good game,” Pough said. “But believe me, not all of it was his fault, we struggled protection-wise and that surprise me a bit, that we could not protect our quarterback.
“And , I was also disappointed in the way the crowd treated Malcolm Long, a guy who has played well for us for three years.
“It was a very frustrating game, “said Long. “ We have to do better on offense, and we need to sustain drive and protect the football.
“When asked about the boos from the crowed Long clearly stated,” I’m use to it by now.” “I got booed at Gaffney, where he won two state championships and was named “Mr. Football”.
Spearheading the Bulldogs defense was redshirt junior linebacker Donovan Richard with a game-high17.5 tackles and two sacks on the day, meanwhile senior David Erby had a stellar day as well with 12 tackles.
Next up for the Bulldogs will be the undefeated Hampton Pirates who comes into Orangeburg while SC State will be celebrating “Homecoming” Saturday Oct 23, with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH