Week 13: SC State vs. BCU

Due to Hurricane Matthew a few months back, the matchup between SC State and Bethune Cookman University had to be rescheduled. Thanksgiving week went by pretty fast and the matchup was well anticipated. 

 

The Wildcats of Bethune Cookman Share a moment of Celebation after a big play
Photo Credit: BCU WILDCATS

The wildcats of Bethune Cookman came into this week after a big win over the Rattlers of FAMU, in the traditional Florida Classic down in Orlando, Florida. This matchup between the Bulldogs and Wildcats is always a great one, a game that always provokes emotion and will have you on your feet the entire time. Well this year was no different....at least in the beginning it was

 

SC State QB Dewann Ford Jr. Completes a big
3rd down pass to Quan Caldwell, which led
to a touchdown during the following play.

SC State came hard at the Wildcats with the biggest plot twist of all....Playing WR Mykal Moody and Dewann Ford Jr as the only QB's of the game. And I must say that the ball moved a lot more than it had this entire season. I believe that it's safe to say that Mykal Moody shocked the fans, the coaches and of course the Wildcats! Dewann Ford Jr, a backup QB this year who transitioned between QB and WR during the games, had many completed conversions as well. Between the two, I'm sure the Bulldogs were rethinking the decisions that they had made throughout the entire season. 

Moody, who switched from wide receiver to quarterback midweek, rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns and passed for another TD to lead South Carolina State to a 28-7 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday. Additionally, Ford Jr. Threw for a totaled 51 yards and made big 3rd down plays to keep the drives down the field alive. These two men were surely on fire and lead the Bulldogs to an easy and confident win with the help of an ALWAYS dependable defense  

 

 

HAIL WILCATS.....

HELL NAWL (not this time Wildcats)

Week 12 SC State vs. Savannah State

The matchup of the Bulldogs of SC State and the Tigers of Savannah State is a much anticipated game. Even though our competitors whom we face vary each season, Savannah is always our last regular season game, and truthfully, we always take care of business! Since I have attended this university I can never recall having a doubt in my mind about defeating when Savannah was our opposing team.

SR QB Adrian Kollock sharing a moment of
reflection with R FR QB Dewann Ford Jr.

It was Senior Day as well in Oliver C. Dawson. The seniors had a chance to display their talent, and go out with an easy win over the Tigers. The Seniors included ......

 

Dondre Brown

Ahmaad Harris

Marquise Jones

Phillip Henry

Adrian Kollock Jr.

Eric Dickerson 

Javarius Leamon

Shaquan Brock

JAmes Middleton

Tyler Smith

 

 

 

However, there was one senior player in

particular who broke unthinkable barriers. Joe Thomas Sr. Is a Senior running back, yet he's not your typical Senior. Mr Thomas is 55 years old, playing Division-1 football. Mr Thomas has been on the team for a while now but was reluctant to get any reps outside of practice. Well on this day, all of that changed, Thomas carried the ball for 3 yards in Saturday's matchup. At that point, Mr. Joe Thomas Sr. became the oldest player to ever play Division 1 football and made HISTORY and headlines nationwide! What a remarkable day it was in Bulldog country indeed

 

 

"NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS"

GO BULLDOGS!!

 

Joe Thomas Sr.
Photo credit to: Bleacher Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 11: SC State vs. Norfolk State

 With 1:07 left in the first quarter on Saturdays matchup against the bulldogs of SC State and the Spartans of Norfolk State, Redshirt Fr. QB Dewann Ford Jr. was able to get the ball to RB Dondre Brown to get the bulldogs on the board first, Tyler Scandrett followed with a completed kick (Thank God). Early in the second quarter Norfolk put themselves on the board, retaliating with a 41 yard field goal by K Cameron Marouf. From that point on the back and forth game of field goals (and of course it just wouldn't be right it Scandrett didn't miss a kick) was underway, up until the fourth quarter when a four yard run by Greg Hankerson sealed the deal for the Norfolks victory.

Two bulldogs share a moment on the sideline
QB Dewann Ford Jr & WR Kanome Mcintosh

Honestly, I can say that in my years at this university, I have never seen these results coming from bulldog football. Am I disappointed in the players? No. As a spectator, its plain to see that at this point the coaches are leading them in the incorrect direction and wrongly advising plays out on the filed. Any chances that could've been had this season are officially out of the window for the SC State bulldogs as they fall to 3-6 overall and 3-3 in the MEAC conference placing us in about 6th place in the standings.

 

Week 10: SC State vs. NC A&T

The bulldogs and aggies preparing for a play

The Rivalry between The Bulldogs of SC State and the Aggies of North Carolina A&T had always been fiery! Especially during football season, because both teams were most likely leaders in the MEAC conference when the face off took place. Well this year was no different, although SC State is behind after their upsetting loss to the Hampton Pirates last weekend, they were looking to make a change during this weeks face off! 

 

The heart and soul of A&T RB Tarik Cohen

It's safe to say that this game was FULL OF EMOTIONS! No matter who you were supporting, you were up, you were down, you were happy, you were sad, you screamed, you cheered, you had moments of disappointment, and you were most definitely taunted during this matchup! So many fans walked away horse from yelling and screaming during the game. Of course both fans weren't happy with the results, but both fans could agree that it was a great game this year, and both teams give their all when they hit the field. 

 

 WR Dewann Ford JR Following a 12 yeard reception

The Bulldogs and the Aggies faced off, starting early with an Aggie touchdown by their most prominent and historical player in A&T history, RB Tarik Cohen (and let's just say the Bulldog defense kept him under wraps for the rest of the game because following that TD, he got NADA). Following that was a successful PAT and a field goal to put the lead at 10-0 over the Bulldogs. But before halftime the Aggies scored again and Adrian Kollock ran in the ball for 17 yards (it was another PAT failed by T. Scandrett) and it was Demontrez Burroughs who had yet another prominent catch in this matchup. The Bulldog offense was down bad and couldn't really make much happen but the connection between QB York and Burroughs was almost magical as everyone held their breath as he caught a 41 yard pass that looked as though it was impossible to catch. 

 

After halftime, the Bulldogs remained consistent and scored another TD which was a 1 yard run by York. However that wasn't enough to hold up against the Aggie offense who answered with a 9 yard TD pass to the very Elijah Bell at receiver. With 2 minutes left and what would be the final drive of the game for the SC State offense, York threw an interception which led to a 29 yard return and sealed the Aggie win 30-20 over the Bulldogs. Unfortunately. 

Week 9: SC State vs. Hampton

Less than two and a half minutes into the 1st quarter the Pirates scored and took the lead 7-0. The Bulldogs answered with Bishop Ford running in a 1-yard touchdown to even up the score 7-7. However, the pirates didn't let the first quarter end without making their presence known and came back with another TD to secure the lead yet again. The Bulldogs obviously hadn't traveled all this way to take defeat, in the second quarter Kanome Mckintosh scored with a 23 yard reception and Bishop Ford with a 13 yard reception to take the lead, unfortunately Tyler Scandrett failed the PAT following Bishop Ford's TD, leaving the lead at 20-14.

In the 3rd and 4th quarter the Pirates and seeded with two touchdowns and successful PATs. At that point, they had taken the lead 28-20 over the Bulldogs. In the 3rd quarter Tyler Scandrett missed a 26 yard field goal, blowing any chances of catching up to the Pirates on his part. The Bulldogs tried to pull it out with only two minutes left in the 4th quarter, Dondre Brown ran it in for a successful TD attempt and the two point conversion failed. Securing the win for the Hampton Pirates. Leaving everyone confused and SPEECHLESS! 

 

 

 Week 9 of college football was full of upsets! And this weeks matchup between SC State and Hampton University was no different. I believe that it's safe to say that the mindset of the SC State Bulldogs was that this was going to be a typically easy matchup, because during the tenure of the current members on the team, Hampton has never gave them any trouble or any reason to have doubts. I believe I have numerous people who can agree when I say "I didn't see it coming"

Week 8: SC State vs. Deleware State

In week 8 of college football, the Bulldogs of SC State faced off against the __ of Delaware State University. This week was the Livest Homecoming in America for SC State, so it was only right if a win was in place for the Bulldogs. 

The Bulldogs quickly took the lead with a 14-yard touchdown pass from QB/WR Dewann Ford Jr. to QB/WR Adrian Kollock Jr in the first quarter. The rest of the game was literally history from there. The Bulldog defense kept the hornets at a stand still only allowing one successful field goal attempt to put three point on the board. I know with this Bulldog football team it's most definitely safe to say that DEFENSE WINS GAMES! 

 

This week, a fairly new bulldog made his breakout debut at the Oliver C Dawson Stadium. Demontrez Burroughs who didn't play at all in the first 5 games for SC State, finally touched the turf last week. Burroughs, a true freshman standing at 6'2, 200 lbs from Charlotte, North Carolina quickly made his presence on the field. Burroughs who originally played on the defensive side of the ball, had 4 receptions for 70 yards and received a 41 yard reception for a TD! He is on fire and he will definitely be an asset to his team! 

The deal was successfully sealed with a 30-3 win over the Hornets of DSU, what a great turnout for SC State! The Bulldogs hit the road yet again and head to Hampton Virginia to face off against the Pirates of Hampton University. 

 

Picture 1:SC State Bulldogs have a moment of prayer.

 

Picture 2: Darius Leonard pictured after an interception.

 

Picture 3: L to R: Darius Taylor, Darius Leonard and Greg Newell

Week 7: SC State vs. Howard

This week, the bulldogs of SC State, traveled to the nations capitol to prepare for game day against one of the well known HBCU's of all time, the Bison's of Howard University. 

     Getting off to a slow start, presumably due to the two weeks off, the bulldogs had a scoreless first quarter. It wasn't until the second quarter, that the all-star defense that the football program is known for showed up! With 6:19 remaining in the half, Darius Leonard returned a 64 yard interception for a bulldog touchdown!! Tyler Scandrett followed with the PAT bringing the game score to 7-0 at the half. However, Howard wasn't going into their locker rooms for half-time without a fight. The kicker for the Bison's Dakota Lebofsky made a 24-yard field goal with nearly a minutes and a half left in the quarter. The halftime score was 7-3.
 Even after half-time, the game still presented itself to be a struggle for the bulldogs. In the middle of the 3rd quarter, the Bison's own Kyle Anthoy caught a 6-yard pass from his quarterback and put 6 more on the board for the Bison's. The PAT failed. lol Leaving the score at SC State:7 and Howard:9. In all my years at this university, i don't believe we have lost to Howard, or struggled in a game against them. Ultimately the bulldogs ended up gathering themselves accordingly and scoring early in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The TD was a 5 yard pass to Mykal Moody and Scandrett followed with the PAT. Next week is homecoming, or WONL or the LHIA, our homecoming has so many nicknames and is known for so many things, just make sure you dont forget to stop by to get your weekly dose of Bulldog football!

Week 7: SC State vs. Howard

This week, the bulldogs of SC State, traveled to the nations capitol to prepare for game day against one of the well known HBCU's of all time, the Bison's of Howard University. 

     Getting off to a slow start, presumably due to the two weeks off, the bulldogs had a scoreless first quarter. It wasn't until the second quarter, that the all-star defense that the football program is known for showed up! With 6:19 remaining in the half, Darius Leonard returned a 64 yard interception for a bulldog touchdown!! Tyler Scandrett followed with the PAT bringing the game score to 7-0 at the half. However, Howard wasn't going into their locker rooms for half-time without a fight. The kicker for the Bison's Dakota Lebofsky made a 24-yard field goal with nearly a minutes and a half left in the quarter. The halftime score was 7-3.
 Even after half-time, the game still presented itself to be a struggle for the bulldogs. In the middle of the 3rd quarter, the Bison's own Kyle Anthoy caught a 6-yard pass from his quarterback and put 6 more on the board for the Bison's. The PAT failed. lol Leaving the score at SC State:7 and Howard:9. In all my years at this university, i don't believe we have lost to Howard, or struggled in a game against them. Ultimately the bulldogs ended up gathering themselves accordingly and scoring early in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The TD was a 5 yard pass to Mykal Moody and Scandrett followed with the PAT. Next week is homecoming, or WONL or the LHIA, our homecoming has so many nicknames and is known for so many things, just make sure you dont forget to stop by to get your weekly dose of Bulldog football!

LHIA: MIDTERM

Well, it’s that time of year again…all of the alumni new and old come back to flood campus, all of the Greeks fill their plots, you smell barbeque I the middle of the day, so many daily activities take place, the one time of year where the plaza is packed all week long and when it just seems like so much is going on. This is it folks, you guessed it, its homecoming week! Sure, we know you don’t want to miss anything and I’m sure you even contemplating missing your toughest course with the butthole of a professor, you’ve went every day faithfully just to risk those absent unexcused days for this very week! I know all too well, as I said before homecoming is upon us, so whether your prepared or not.

I feel as though, no matter how many people return for the homecoming festivities, not everyone supports the football team or even attends the game. Sometimes I feel as though the essence of homecoming and what it traditionally used to be has turned into a week full of reunions and turn-ups. (someone correct me if I'm wrong.) I feel as though the team needs all the support that they can get, already being a small HBCU. They work hard and to the best of their abilities to present fulfilling results for their fans. 

The SC State bulldogs currently hold an overall record of 2-3. In their division, the Middle Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) they hold a record of 2-0. I personally feel as though the bulldogs have a chance of obtaining a MEAC title, after looking at other teams in the division and how they are looking this season, they look pretty good. I'd be remised if I didn't tell you to be sure to check out footage of how the bulldog football team prepares for the Livest Homecoming in America.

SN: Im honestly not sure how to add links from my social media sites.
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Two Weeks of No Football

Due to the bye week last week, there was no game and the bulldogs were able to take a week off after a rough start to their season.

However, this week presented many challenges for the entire state of South Carolina as a whole. On Tuesday a school wide e-mail was sent out, reporting that school will be cancelled for the remainder of the week and it was advised that everyone seek evacuation to an area where they would be safe. The school is projected to lose power and of course Saturday's matchup against the wildcats of Bethune Cookman University was CANCELLED!!

Week 4: SC State vs. FAMU

The rattlers of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University are known to Strike and Strike and Strike again! Being that this would be the first MEAC match up of the season for our team, the bulldogs of SC State were sure to be eager to play in a league of their own. After a standing record of 0-3 against D1 programs, in larger divisions, i'm sure they were more than ready to face off with another D1-AA school.

On the road yet again for week 4, the bulldogs boarded their buses and headed down to the sunshine state to show the rattlers how to play MEAC football.

Shortly after kickoff, the bulldogs immediately made a statement that they were serious about redeeming their current season reputation. After about a 40 yard drive Caleb York hit Ahmaad Harris for a 3-yard pass for a touchdown. Harris immediately letting it be known to the FAMU defense that what happened at Clemson was only a fluke. Shortly after, FAMU answered with a 19 yard reception for a TD of their own. IT seemed as if this game would be a back and forth deal all night long..

However, bulldog fans were quickly assured otherwise. Bishop Ford, Quan Caldwell, and Deangelo Frazier all had receptions that led to touchdowns for the bulldogs and all PAT's were completed by Tyler Scandrett. You could clearly see the unity and strength amongst the players out there on the field, and weaknesses were exposed as well. Defense stepped up to the plate to hold those Rattlers off for the majority of the game as we;;. Deshawn Taylor even had an interception that led to a touchdown to cap the score for the SC State Bulldogs. The game ended in a whopping 48-14 win over those "striking" rattlers of FAMU, so im guessing they ran out of venom and scurried away shortly after.


Photo is Property of Jasmine Robbins

Next week is a bye week (we have no game for my non sports readers.lol) for the SC State bulldogs, so take a break and entertain another team in the meantime. Join us for our very first home game on October 8th, right at home as we face another Florida team, the Wildcats of Bethune Cookman University.

Week 3: SC State vs. Clemson

This photo is property of College Football

This week, ill keep it short because there isn't much to say honestly. SC State faced one of the top teams in the ENTIRE nation, so unlike MANY Sc State fans, I wont bash the guys on this one. No the team isn't terrible, but they played with what seemed to be fright or some form of intimidation.

Our fellow bulldogs fell to Clemson 0-59, this year was different from the past two match ups that have taken place, because at least in the past the guys got some points up on the board. Not this time though. Again, I do not feel as though the quarterback is suitable to lead this team and I definitely feel as though at some point of the game we literally gave them free points! Im sure EVERYONE caught this freebie from our kick & punt returner little mister Ahmaad Harris from UCLA:


Well, that's all for this week, I told you it would be short. So tune in next weekwhen im sure the bulldogs will finally get a W on the board as they face the Rattlers of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University AKA FAMU. They wont be striking for too long when the bulldogs come to town! Bulldog Pride, Catch It!!

G.O.A.T

MY G.O.A.T would have to be, hands down, Pam Oliver!

 

Photo is Property of Every Joe
Now, lets just be real here. Pam Oliver is well known (especially in the African American community) for having the bad weave, for having the messed up makeup, and being humiliated by the Fox Sports Network in 2014, then being extended an offer to come back to FOX in early 2015.

I would be remised if I didn't mention what she isn't known for, but what's so great about her. As an army child, she constantly moving from state to state and preferred watching sports over anything else, similar to myself. In high school she excelled as an All-American athlete, and she chose to be HBCU educated at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, obtaining a degree in broadcast journalism.

Pam Oliver took the ultimate path to success, it wasn't an easy or straight path to follow, until she stuck to her plan and remained focused and moved up the ladder. Oliver began her broadcasting career at WALB in Albany, Georgia in 1985 as a news reporter. The next year, Oliver moved to WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Alabama. After that stop, Oliver moved to WIVB-TV in Buffalo, New York in 1988. Two years later in 1990, Oliver moved to WTVT in Tampa, Florida, where she began her career as a sports anchor in 1991. Oliver moved to KHOU-TV in Houston, where she continued to be a sports anchor.In 1993, Oliver joined the sports television network ESPN. In 1995, Oliver joined Fox Sports, where she worked as a sideline reporter with the network's number-one broadcast team, Pat Summerall and John Madden In 2005, Oliver joined TNT as a sideline reporter for their NBA Playoffs coverage.

I one day aspire to follow in the exact shoes of Pam Oliver. Since I was a girl, I always stayed close to my dad, my brothers and sports, basketball and football specifically. I would like to specifically work for the Entertainment Sports Programming Network, better known as ESPN, one of the largest sports media outlets! I hope that I am as successful as she was in all of my endeavors. 

WEEK 2: SC State Vs. LA Tech

 

In week two of college football, SC State got on the road once again and traveled to Ruston Louisiana. Starting off at a record 1-0, you know they are only hungry for a victory.

Photo is property of LA TECH ATHLETICS

Louisiana Tech had a record of 9-4 overall and 6-2 in their Western Division of Conference USA conference last season. So from the beginning, being the underdogs by default, I'm sure the bulldogs knew that they had to come with their "A-game."

Upon arriving to the home field on LA Tech, both teams warmed up, and followed through with their regular pre-game routines, only to find out shortly before kickoff that the game would be delayed due to inclement weather in the immediate area. the delay lasted for approximately 2 HOURS!!

Photograph is property of Sports Nola

Nonetheless, the game eventually started and in the end the bulldogs fell short of the bulldogs of LA Tech 53-24. Leaders on the board for LA Tech included R. Higgins who was 34-52 and threw for a total of 409 yards, including 4 TDs and 2 interceptions. and T.Taylor who had 11 receptions for 178 yards and three touchdowns. For Sc State the BELOVED C. Yorkwho was 14-31 for 137 yards and 2 TDs and L. Jamison who had 6 receptions and 60 yards.

So after falling short for our week two matchup it brings us to a saddening 0-2 record! NExt up we face no one other than the fierce tigers of Clemson University. Check in with us next week to hear  those details. Go BULLDOGS!

SC State vs. UCF knights SEASON OPENER

In the season opener, South Carolina State took their talents to "the city beautiful" or as most people think of it "the home of Disneyworld" the one and only Orlando, Florida. On September 3rd SC State was set to play the University of Central Florida, home of the knights.

Photograph by:Gettyimages

Perhaps the turn out of this game came as a surprise to most. UCF went completely defeated last season, ending with a record of 0-12, (yes that's right I said 0-12) literally a season that I'm sure no fan would ever forget. However, changes were made on and off the field for the knights, being a native of Orlando, Florida I was able to see first hand how things we working behind the scenes with stremuous summer workouts for the players, on top of an intense pre-season, also changes among the leadership and coaching staff took place as well. so the knights for sure cleaned up their mess to be sure not to have another season like their last.

Photograph is property of The Orlando Sentinel

In the matchup between SC State and UCF, the bulldogs fell, putting no points at all on the board to a 38-0 loss against the knights, what you would call a complete shutout. However, although the bulldogs didn't have much to show for it on the scoreboard, they actually did a hell of a job defending the knights, especially in the first half. The knights points added up on the scoreboard due to field goals because the SC State defense just would let up and let them into the end zone.
Leading in stats for SC State was Caleb York, SC State first string QB finishing with 15-35 for a total of 134 yards passing and 10 carries for 38 yards, its evident that offense needs much help. Leading for UCF was J. Holman in passing yards who was 14-28 for a total of 193 yards and 2 TD's (just as bad as C. York, besides the TD's in my opinion) and T.Smith with 4 receptions totaling for 65 yards and a TD.


Final Point: I feel as though SC State could have done better, this team was the bottom of the barrel last season and SC State is re- building the foundation as well on both sides of the ball after losing many senior players last season but I feel as though, if It was a later season game the bulldogs would have pulled it out. They would've had more time to get the feel of how chemistry works amongst themselves and had a better handle out on the field, just overall better results. So that's all for now, catch next weeks coverage as SC State takes their talents to Ruston, Louisiana to face the bulldogs of Louisiana Tech.

Picture a Saturday afternoon, the sun is beaming, the sound of fans talking and cheerleaders cheering fill the air, Gil Harris announcing about D & B fried fish and barbecue, The Marching 101 playing "Pass the Peas", and the sounds of helmets clanking, grunts and referee whistles. This is a Saturday afternoon on game day at the Oliver C Dawson Stadium, home of the South Carolina State Bulldogs.

 

Last year, the SC State University football team finished with an overall record of 7-4 overall record, 6-2 in the MEAC, with the losses within the MEAC conference being extremely close. It probably wasn't the best season in bulldog history, but for a few members of the SC State football program, hopeful futures were still in sight. SC State had 5 former players overall enter into the NFL, Javon Hargrave (3rd round) and Temarrick Hemingway (6th round) were the first to be picked up during the draft and later followed (scoot) Simmons, Hamilton and Cooper (Citadel). All of those former players made impacts on and off of the field, by being leaders and giving their all every play they were able to play their part in preparation for the big leagues. 

So for now I'm done, but continue to check weekly for coverage and updates on what's taking place right here at home in Bulldog Country. Bulldog Pride! "Catch It"