Final Box Score
BLOOMINGTON, IND— SC State (1-2, 1-0 MEAC) chances of knocking off a FBS opponent came up short, as the Bulldogs dropped a tough 38-21 decision to Big Ten foe Indiana (1-2, 0-0 Big Ten) at Memorial Stadium Saturday.
      “We got behind big, gave up a couple of deep balls, and that's been a little bit of our Achilles heel, said SC State head coach Oliver Pough.” “We just didn't make enough plays offensively to be in the ball game.”
      Indiana jumped out to quick 14-0 lead early in the first quarter, when quarterback Edward Baker-Wright (6-1, 220, Jr. Jeffersonville, Ind.) tossed a 30-yard strike to wide receiver Duwyce Wilson (6-3,196, Jr. Columbus, Ind.) to make the score 7-0 at the 11:59 mark. Running back Stephen Houston's (6-0, 228, Jr. Little Rock, Ark.) 2-yd scamper gave the Hoosiers a two score advantage with 9:20 left in the quarter.
      Junior quarterback Derrick Wiley (6-0, 195, r-Jr. Rockingham, NC) threw a 69-yard pass to sophomore Tyler McDonald (6-1, 200, So. Summerville, SC) to pull SC State within a score, 14-7 at the 9:03 mark. Matt Perez (5-11, 230, So. Park Ridge, ILL) 1-yd punch gave Indiana a 21-7 advantage to close out the first quarter.
      Mitch Ewald (5-10, 174, Jr. Naperville, ILL) scored the only points in the second quarter, on a 26-yard field goal to put Indiana ahead 24-7 with 3:49 left in the first-half. The Hoosiers closed out the half with a 24-7 lead.
      Indiana's Edward Baker-Wright led the passing attack throwing 17 of 22 for 208 yards and one touchdown, Wiley finished with 7 of 11 for 138 yards and one score.
      In the second-half, Wiley threw his second touchdown toss on the day when he connected with sophomore Caleb Davis (5-10, 175, r-So. Quinby, SC) on a 5-yard toss with 3:52 left in the third quarter. IU's D 'Angelo Roberts (5-10, 187, Fr., Bloomington, Ind.) 7-yard touchdown run closed out the third quarter with Indiana ahead 31-14.
      Despite being down 17 points entering the fourth quarter, SC State would not be denied finding the end zone once again on an elusive 21-yard run by freshman running back Jalen “Scoot” Simmons (5-8, 200, Fr., Charlotte, NC) at the 12:40 mark. Indiana closed the door on the Bulldogs hopes of knocking a FBS opponent, when wide receiver Kofi Hughes (6-2,205, So. Indianapolis, Ind.) caught a short pass from Wright-Baker and tiptoed down the sideline for a 40-yard score, sealing the 38-21 victory.
     The Bulldogs defense was led by sophomore Joe Thomas with 13 tackles, while senior's Donovan Richard and Christian Thompson finished with 10 each. Sophomore Tyler McDonald led the receiving corps with seven catches for 159 yards and one touchdown.
       Meanwhile, Wiley led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 63 yards, while throwing 15 of 30 for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Simmons provided an extra push on special teams with five returns for 112 yards on the day.
      Pough stated, “We were better passing the ball, and hopefully as the season goes on we can get better. It was one of our better offensive efforts and at least you know you are headed in the right direction”
      Indiana finished with 564 total offensive yards, while SC State closed out the day with 392 yards.
     “Next week, we are finally going to be home in front of our own fans and it feels good, said Pough. I hope we have a big crowd and play well for our fans.”
       Next up South Carolina State will return to home on next week when they host Delaware State in a pivotal MEAC clashing on YOUTH/ROTC Day in the first home opener. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.
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