ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State conducted its first preseason scrimmage Saturday morning and the first team offense and defense earned praise from Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough. Senior quarterback Malcolm Long was especially effective, directing three scoring drives. Also the Bulldogs got strong performances from the running backs and the first team defense did not allow any points.
“We still have a lot of work left to do, and despite some peaks and valleys today, I thought things went pretty well,” Pough said following the scrimmage. “The first team guys on both sides of the ball were very effective most of the time.
“There were some highs and lows but we seem to have guys that understand what to do,” continued Pough. “It's still real early and this was just our first scrimmage but it's important that we develop some consistency.”
Pough said the staff took a look at a lot of players in hopes of developing a strong depth chart for the upcoming campaign, which kicks off Sept. 4 at Georgia Tech.
Long, the likely Bulldog starter for a third straight season, was sharp, finding his receivers often on three scoring drives, two of which were culminated by short runs by Citadel transfer Asheton Jordan and the other on a short run by senior tailback Chris Massey, who was also used as a receiver at times.
“Malcolm (Long) threw the ball well,” noted Pough. “Our running backs played good. We have some great talent there (RB) and we are finding ways to get them the football to take advantage of their skills. We got some good play from some of our receivers and one of them – freshman Tyler McDonald – was especially effective. I think he's going to come in and help us as we lost our top three receivers from last year.”
The Bulldogs also spent some time on punting and placekicking. Junior placekicker Blake Erickson, who set a school single-season record with 14 field goals in 17 attempts last season, nailed kicks from 35 and 45 yards away. The punting appeared to go well also except for one miscue when the ball went through the punter's hands.”
NOTES: The Bulldogs will enjoy their first day away from the field on Sunday since the start of preseason workouts Aug. 5. The team and staff will attend church service in the morning at Cornerstone Church on Chestnut.
Starting center Sam Timothy left the contest with a slight ankle injury but it did not appear to be serious, according to Pough.
