ORANGEBURG, SC—The Bulldogs sent their 15 seniors out in style as South Carolina State cruised to a 54-14 victory over Howard University Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

South Carolina State honored its 15 graduating seniors who closed out their collegiate playing careers today, as well as giving a salute to the Legend the winningest coach in SC State history –Willie Jeffries.

Senior quarterback Malcolm Long led the way for the offense connecting 20 of 29 attempts for 275 and two touchdowns to become the school's career total offense leader, supplanting his predecessor Cleve McCoy. Long finished the day with 255 total yards to give him 6,363 for his career.

Placekicker Blake Erickson, despite having his streak end of 12 straight FG's snapped when his second of three attempts on the day was blocked. Erickson set a career FG record, making 2-3 to give him 31 for his career, the previous mark of 30 set by Al Garnder (1980-83)

The Bulldogs jumped to a quick 20-0 lead in the first quarter off a 40-yard inception return for touchdown by senior linebacker Marshall McFadden to a the 11:56 mark in the first. Two quick scores with senior running back Chris Merrill punching in a four-yard run and Long connecting with Thomas Williams on a 31-yard touchdown pass to make the score 23-0 closing out the first quarter.

SC State finally got their offense going in the right direction when Erickson nailed 40-yard field. The second-half was all the Bulldogs sophomore Chris Merrill punched in for his second of the day on a 9-yard scamper 3-yard run. Devin Wherry outrushed the entire Howard team with 67 yards and Merrill followed his career rushing game against Delaware State with three touchdowns.

Defensively, SC State held Howard to -7 rushing yards and had four interceptions and three sacks. Senior linebacker David Erby spearheaded the Bulldog defense with 11 tackles and 2 TFL, while r-junior Dominique Ellis finished with eight and an interception.

With the victory SC State improves to 7-2 overall, and 5-1 in the MEAC, while Howard falls to 1-8, 0-6 in the league.

SC State will return on action on Thursday night as they travel to Baltimore, MD to take on the Bears of Morgan State in a 7 :30 p.m. Kickoff..The game will be televised live ESPN2.