In a sport that regarded like a runaway however become a detailed name, South Carolina State held on for its greatest win since its final HBCU nationwide championship season.
The Bulldogs (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead, then held off a livid North Carolina Central rally for a 24-21 win to imagine first place within the MEAC because the final unbeaten staff in convention play.
In a sport that noticed a bit of little bit of the whole lot, listed below are the important thing factors in a sport that shifts the steadiness of energy not simply within the MEAC, however in HBCU soccer as a complete.
Eric Phoenix rises as soon as once more
The South Carolina State signal-caller, by means of Murray State and Benedict, stepped up as soon as once more on the massive stage, finishing 26 of 36 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns, dashing for 60 yards and a landing as nicely.
His greatest play was an 18-yard scramble on third and 20 simply earlier than the two-minute warning that allowed Deondra Duehart to squeeze into a good window for the primary down that sealed the ball sport.
#GoDogs
The @Eric7Phoenix to @CadenHigh TOUCHDOWN CONNECTION is Alive and Effectively!!!!!!!@SCStateAthletic @SCSTATE1896 @MEACSports @coachberry77 #PayTheFEE#DigDEEP#FearTheBITE🔴🔵🐶🏈 pic.twitter.com/snikp8zhaQ
— South Carolina State Soccer (@SCState_Fb) November 1, 2024
If this sport was a deciding consider who would earn the MEAC Offensive Participant of the 12 months award, Phoenix made his case emphatically.
The particular groups have been something however particular
Neither staff’s particular groups unit will need to have a look at the movie from Thursday night time’s sport. A blocked punt by South Carolina State become a brand new possession for Central after a Bulldog participant touched it. A roughing the punter penalty in opposition to the Eagles gave SCSU a contemporary set of downs and an opportunity so as to add to their lead.
NC Central’s gradual begin price them
Falling behind 17-0 is a recipe for catastrophe, even for a staff as gifted because the Eagles. A primary-half dashing landing by Phoenix and a cross to Caden Excessive, together with a Kyle Gallegos discipline purpose, gave SCSU a lead they’d maintain onto all through the competition.
NCCU made it fascinating with three fast strikes—a 36-yard landing run by J’Mari Taylor and passing touchdowns of 51 yards (Markell Fast) and 66 yards (Chauncey Spikes) from Walker Harris—however a Harris fumble late led to S.C. State’s clock-killing drive that put the sport out of attain.
S.C. State is the massive canine within the MEAC — for now
There is just one unblemished staff within the convention, and that’s the hungry pack of Bulldogs from Orangeburg. They’ve three MEAC video games left—a two-game highway journey to Howard and Morgan State, adopted by their house finale in opposition to Norfolk State. SCSU’s ticket to Atlanta isn’t punched but by any means, however beating the preseason favourite goes a good distance towards the Celebration Bowl.
