Bulldogs Battle Eagles On ESPNU Live

DURHAM, N.C.—South Carolina State (4-2 overall, 2-0 MEAC) will hit the road this week as they travel to Durham, N.C. to take on the Eagles of NC Central (3-2 overall, 1-0 in the league) in pivotal Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) showdown at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m., and will be televised live on ESPNU.

Both teams, NCCU and SC State enter the contest undefeated in league play. The Bulldogs are making their first visit back to the O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium since 1977 (Oct.29). SC State has won seven of the last eight games against the Eagles, dating back of to 1976.

NCCU won last year's meeting 40-10 in the Circle City Classic. Coach Pough (92-41/12^th season) and the Bulldogs after losing to #25 Coastal Carolina and #4 Clemson to open the season, SC State four straight games by a combined score 150-36.

The Bulldogs are led by redshirt senior quarterback Richard Cue in the air throwing 67-of-125 for 876 yards and 7 TD's and just three interceptions. Redshirt freshman and Kentucky transfer Justin Taylor leads the rushing attack with 88 rushes for 281 yards and 5 TD's, while redshirt sophomore Dondre Lewis-Freeman is emerging as a top runner for the Bulldogs with 46 carries for 220 yards and 3 TD's this season.

Senior Tyler McDonald moves one step closer to breaking several SC State Receiving records with 17 catches for 536 yards and 5 TD's. Teammate senior Caleb Davis leads the Bulldogs in receptions with 230 yards and 3 TD's. McDonald also leads the MEAC in receiving yards per game with 89.3.

The defense is spearheaded by senior linebacker Joe Thomas with 62 tackles (47 solo), 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, senior safety Kimario McFadden is second on the team with 42 tackles (34 solo) and 3TFL. Junior defensive end Andrew Carter provides the much needed pressure upfront with 35 tackles, 11 TFL (1^st in the MEAC) and 8.5 sacks (1^st in the MEAC and 2^nd in the nation FCS Division I-AA).

Follow the game live on ESPN3 click link below:
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id/1124280/College-Football-South-Carolina-State-vs-North-Carolina-Central

SC State will have an open date next week before returning to action on Oct. 26, to take on the defending MEAC Champion #18 Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, FLA in a 4 p.m. showdown.

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