SC State Looks to Finish Season Strong vs. Savannah State
ORANGEBURG, SC (SC State) — The South Carolina State Bulldogs (3-6 overall, 3-3 MEAC) will be celebrating “Senior Day/High School Band Day/Faculty-Staff Appreciation Day” as they host the Savannah State Tigers (3-5 overall, 3-3 MEAC) Saturday (Nov. 19) at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium
South Carolina State coming off their third-straight MEAC loss will look to turn things around against a talented and improved Savannah State team from years past. Savannah State has never defeated SC State in the Pough Era. The Bulldogs hold an 8-0 advantage over the Tigers. In the last meeting, SC State defeated Savannah State in a 52-29 victory at Ted Wright Stadium in Savannah, GA.
In their last outing the Bulldogs suffered a tough 13-10 loss to the visiting Spartans of Norfolk State on last week.SC State has dropped seventh (7th) in the league poll, while Savannah State has moved up to the fifth (5th) spot.
All-MEAC and Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Darius Leonard continues to lead team and the MEAC in tackles. Leonard has 102 tackles (63 solo), 8.5 TFL, two (2) sacks, and two (2) interceptions.
Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Shaquille Crouch and Paul McKeiver both have had All-MEAC seasons. McKeiver has 22 tackles (10 solo), 4.0 TFL, and one (1) sack, while Crouch has tallied 19 tackles (14 solo), 9.0 TFL, and four (4) sacks. Senior safety Phillip Henry spearheads the secondary corps with 29 tackles (18 solo), 2.0 TFL, and team-high four (4) interceptions.
Sophomore quarterback Caleb York controls the offense throwing 101-of-222 for 1031 yards and 11 touchdowns in nine (9) games. Redshirt freshman running back Bishop Ford is the leader on the ground with 107 carries for 464 yards and three (3) touchdowns. True freshman running back Labron Morris has come on strong in a reserve role at running back with 43 carries for 133 yards.
Redshirt sophomore Quan Caldwell and redshirt freshman Kanome McIntosh both have are having solid season with 20 receptions each in nine (9) games. The surprise this season has been the play of freshman wide receiver De’Montrez Burroughs who made the transition from defense to offense. Burroughs has 19 receptions for 298-yards and two (2) touchdowns.
This and every game can be heard across the entire SC State Bulldog Football Radio Network which consists of ESPN Columbia 1230am (Columbia), Old Skool 102.9 FM (Orangeburg), 90.3 FM WSSB (Orangeburg), and WOCS 93.7 FM (Orangeburg). The games are also available online at www.ESPNColumbia.com or by phone by dialing 641-552-5120.
