ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State conducted its second preseason scrimmage Saturday morning and Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough's reactions were mixed following the approximately two hour session.

"It's pretty obvious that we have lots of room for improvement," Pough said. "I thought the defense made a better showing than in our first scrimmage a week ago when the offense kind of had its way. The defense was a good bit better today and kept the offense in check for most of the scrimmage although the offense did get something going toward the end.

"I can tell you that a lot of positions are up for grabs," continued Pough. "Some of the young players have looked pretty good and have a chance to step into some of positions usually manned by veterans. Enthusiasm is high but we have to cut down on mistakes, control our emotions and take care of each other."

With last year's starting signal caller Dewann Ford of Stephenson, GA – a redshirt junior -- sidelined with a minor injury, sophomore Tyrece Nick of Johnston and true freshman Cory Fields of Hollywood received most of the reps at quarterback, although Quincy Hill of Columbia, also a true freshman, did get into the rotation late.

With Nick and Fields alternating at quarterback, the offense was limited to two field goals early and also suffered back-to-back picks by DB Kendall Moultrie of Latta and DL Xavier Johnson of Lake View before finally getting into the end zone on a short scoring run by Beaufort's  Omar Cummings and a 25-yard scamper by Jarius Jenkins of Neeses.

Pough's team also devoted a great deal of time to special teams, including field goals, punting and kickoffs. A tight battle appears to be developing between freshman placekickers Dillon Bredson Cantonment, FL and Austin Kemp of Liberty. The starting punting duties are also up for grabs as last year's starter Cliff Benjamin of Santee and former starter Jerome Pettiway of York are in a fierce battle to be punter.

The next scheduled Bulldog practice is set for Monday 9:30 a.m.