ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State wrapped up its preseason preparations Tuesday with a light practice in shorts and helmets. Now, it's on to Michigan for Coach Buddy Pough and his staff to face the Central Michigan Chippewas.
The Bulldogs open the 2011 campaign Thursday night at Central Michigan in a 7 p.m. contest. The two teams are meeting for the first time, however, it marks the fifth consecutive season SC State has played a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) school.
Pough's team has yet to come away with a win when stepping up in class but the SC State mentor, who is in his 10th season, and his team realize that it is bound to happen one day.
“We go into every contest to win,” Pough said Monday during his weekly press conference. “It's a little bit of a sore spot with our team that we have not won a game against the bigger schools. We just have to continue to do the very best we can and not put any added pressure on ourselves. We need to continue to hammer at it (beat an FBS team), continue to get closer and eventually it will happen.”
The Bulldogs were 9-3 last season, shared the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and made their third straight appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Central Michigan is coming off a 3-9 season, however, the Chippewas finished the campaign on a strong note and are expected to be greatly improved this year.
Game Notes: The contest is not set to be televised, however, SC State fans can catch the game on the Bulldog Radio Network (see stations below) and on Teamline by visiting the SC State website: scsuathletics.com. Fans may also visit the Chippewas' website and watch a live video of the game for a fee.
Teamline can be accessed by visiting our website. Click on the Teamline Icon and follow directions or you can call Teamline from your phone: 1-800-846-4700. The SC State Team Code is 7278.
Bulldog Radio Network Stations:
WQKI (102.9 FM) – Orangeburg, Bamberg, Calhoun
WJVM (800 AM), Greenville
WAAW (94.7 FM (Augusta, N. Augusta, Aiken, Barnwell, Saluda, Edgefield)
WOIC (1230 AM), Columbia, W. Columbia
ESPN (93.1 FM), Columbia, Fairfield, Lexington, Orangeburg, Newberry