ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State Bulldogs (3-7, 1-3 MEAC) return to action in the season finale at home versus the visiting Spartans of Norfolk State (1-9, 1-3 MEAC) at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium and Willie Jeffries Field. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m.
 
Both teams are coming off losses in their last outing last week.
 
The Bulldogs fell 28-14 at Howard, while Norfolk State dropped a 48-14 home decision to NC Central, which clinched the 2022 MEAC title and a berth in the Dec. 17 Celebration Bowl at Atlanta, GA. This contest is the season finale for both teams, with each looking to end the 2022 campaign on a winning note. A victory today would do just that.
 
The season has been a disappointing one for both teams, SC State especially, the preseason pick to repeat as MEAC champion. Pough and his staff have already turned the page on the 2022 season. Last week against Howard, the Bulldogs sprinkled in a lot of freshmen in the starting lineup, including freshman QB Prometheus Franklin of Greenville, who sustained an injury and had to leave the contest late in the game. He is not expected to play, but the Bulldogs will continue to keep young players in the lineup.
 
"We wanted to work some young guys into the scheme last week, Pough said. "We think they may be the heir apparent (to our future success). Prometheus (before getting hurt) showed he has 'it' and is athletic enough to make plays." Graduate QB Tyrece Nick is set to start for SC State, who may also use freshman Andre Washington of Ridge View High School.
 
The Attraction
South Carolina State will be celebrating Senior/Greek/High School Band Day.
Pough said he expects 13-15 Bulldogs to play the final game of their SC State careers today. Also, high school bands from around the state and beyond have been invited and campus and other Greek organizations will be recognized.
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
 
SC State Offense:
#3 Gr. QB Tyrece Nick (20-36-2, 338 yds., 2TDs.; 55 rushes, 182 yds., 3 TDs); #6 Gr. RB Jacory Benson (44 rushes, 128 yds., 0TDs); r-So. RB Kendrell Flowers (38 atts., 73 atts., 294 yds., 3TDs); #22 Gr. RB Alex James (20 rushes, 54 yds.) #1 r-Jr. WR Shaquan Davis (32 recpts, 749 yds., 9TDs); #13 r-Fr. WR Jordan Smith (13 rcpts., 149 yds., 2TDs) #19 So. WR Rakim White (8 recpts., 88 yds.; #78 So. Guard Nick Taiste; #76 Jr. Center Erick Brown Jr.
 
SC State Defense:
#5 r-Jr. LB BJ Davis (56T, 28A, 8TFL, 4 Ints.); #11 So. LB Aaron Smith (40T, 16A, 7TFL, 4 Sacks); #10 r-Sr. DB Duane Nichols (31T, 16A, 3TFL 3 Ints.); #43 Jr. DE Patrick Godbolt (22T, 12A, 10 TFL, 3 Sacks 2 FF)
 
Norfolk State Offense:
#4 So. QB Otto Kuhns (101-185-5, 1178 yds., 6TDs); #9 r-Jr. QB Jaylan Adams (40-75-4, 417 yds., 4TDs; 36 rushes, 175 yds., 1TD); #27 Fr. RB Jordin Lennon (78 rushes, 387 yds., 3TDs); #13 Fr. RB Kevon King (38 rushes, 175 yds., 1 TD).
 
Norfolk State Defense
#11r-Jr. LB Tyler Long (36T, 57A, 4TFL, 3 Sacks); #56r-Sr. LB Marquis Hall (30T, 41A, 4TFL, 4 Sacks, 2Ints.); #28 r-Jr. DB R.J. Coles, 21T, 34A, 2TFL, 1 Sack); #17 r-Jr. DB Joseph White (20T, 22A, 3 TFL, 2 Ints.)
 
The Series
The Bulldogs and Spartans are meeting for the 26^th  time in a rivalry that began in 1971. SC State has a 20-5 edge in the series and has won the last two meetings, including a 31-21 triumph at Norfolk, VA last season. Norfolk State's last win in the series was a 17-7 triumph at Orangeburg during the 2018 campaign
 
The Coaches
SC State's Buddy Pough (SC State '75) is in his 21^st season as head coach at his alma mater and owns a 146-87 overall mark (109-40 MEAC).

Norfolk State
 (Norfolk State's Dawson Odums (NC Central '97) is in his second season as head coach at Norfolk State. He is 8-14 overall as Spartan Head Coach.
 
 2022 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Standings (thru 11-12-22)