ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State Bulldogs pulled off a close but much needed, 21-17, victory over visiting Savannah State Saturday (Nov.17^th) on "Senior Day" at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.

South Carolina State (5-5 overall, 4-2 MEAC) honored fourteen seniors who was recognized during pregame, along with five honorees who were inducted into the SC State Athletic Hall of Fame Friday (Nov.16^th) in special induction ceremony.

"It was an ugly win today, "said head coach Buddy Pough. " If you look at the statistics from the game I am surprised we are able to pull it off. I am just glad we stay focused being down and held on strong for the victory."

The game marked the final game in MEAC play for the Tigers (2-8 overall, 1-6 in MEAC), a program that will transition to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the NCAA Division II ranks in 2019.

Neither team did much offensively, with SC State managing just 155 yards of total offense, compared Savannah State's 221 yards of total offense.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Tyrece Nick was again the catalyst of the offense the Bulldogs did generate, as his has been often this season. He finished with 70 yards rushing on 19 carries, including two touchdowns, while passing for just 30 yards, but no interceptions. Redshirt senior Jermaine Baxley led SC State with 2 receptions for 13 yards.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Chad Gilchrist led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles, while junior linebacker Cornelius Walker (Orangeburg-Wilkinson) added 8 tackles, senior defensive end Bruce Johnson added 6 tackles and Nichols added 5 tackles.

South Carolina State will close out the 2018 season Saturday (Nov.24^th) when they host North Carolina Central at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.