CHARLESTON, S.C. (Oct. 10, 2026) — #21 South Carolina State displayed determination and offensive firepower Saturday afternoon, overcoming a challenging first half with a spirited second-half performance before falling 49-39 to Charleston Southern in a nonconference football matchup.
Despite the setback, the Bulldogs (5-2) demonstrated their ability to move the football, finishing with
470 yards of total offense, including 368 passing yards, while holding the Buccaneers (3-3) to 305 total yards.
SC State also controlled several key statistical categories, including first downs (27-18), time of possession (35:29-24:31) and third-down conversions (11 of 21), highlighting the Bulldogs' ability to sustain drives and compete throughout the contest.
After trailing 35-16 at halftime and facing a 42-16 deficit early in the third quarter, head coach
Chennis Berry's Bulldogs refused to surrender, responding with 17 unanswered points to cut the margin to 42-33 early in the fourth quarter.
The comeback was fueled by a determined offensive effort and an improved defensive performance that limited Charleston Southern's opportunities during stretches of the second half.
Offensively, SC State received several outstanding individual performances.
Quarterback
Ronnie Robinson provided a spark through the air, completing 13 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown, while fellow signal-caller Keely Watson added 89 passing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver Malaqhi Jones led the Bulldogs' receiving corps with six receptions for 111 yards, while
DJ Maultsby contributed three catches for 85 yards, including a 54-yard reception.
Darius Thompson added two receptions for 56 yards, while tight end Martavious Collins finished with four catches for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Running back
Mason Pickett-Hicks contributed a rushing touchdown and 87 combined rushing and receiving yards, while
Josh Shaw powered his way into the end zone twice during the third quarter.
The Bulldogs showed their offensive capabilities early despite falling behind 14-0 in the opening quarter.
Watson capped an impressive 10-play, 82-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to put SC State on the scoreboard.
After Charleston Southern extended its advantage to 21-6, Pickett-Hicks answered with a 10-yard touchdown run, completing an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive.
Jett Jackson later connected on a 27-yard field goal to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance.
However, Charleston Southern capitalized on explosive special teams plays, including a 60-yard punt return touchdown by Hakeem Watters and a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown by Quay Kindell, to build a 35-16 halftime advantage.
The Buccaneers extended their lead to 42-16 early in the third quarter before SC State began mounting its comeback.
The Bulldogs responded with renewed energy on both sides of the football.
A defensive takeaway helped set up Shaw's 3-yard touchdown run with 8:54 remaining in the third quarter.
SC State continued its momentum when Shaw scored again on a 1-yard run, completing a six-play, 77-yard drive. Ricorian Brown added the two-point conversion, pulling the Bulldogs within 42-31.
The Bulldogs' defense continued applying pressure, forcing Charleston Southern into difficult situations and creating additional opportunities for the offense.
Early in the fourth quarter, SC State recorded a safety to trim the deficit to 42-33, bringing the Bulldogs within nine points.
Charleston Southern responded with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jared Echols to Maxwell Warren to extend its lead to 49-33.
Even with the outcome nearly decided, SC State continued competing until the final seconds.
Robinson connected with Collins on a 7-yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds remaining, completing an eight-play, 47-yard drive and accounting for the final margin.
Defensively, the Bulldogs delivered several noteworthy performances.
Jordan Franklin led SC State with seven tackles, while Jabin Ford added six stops and Jadin Jones contributed five.
Kwantre Harry finished with four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble, while Tyler Jones recovered a fumble and returned it 25 yards.
The Bulldogs also recorded seven tackles for loss and held Charleston Southern to just 2-of-9 on third-down opportunities.
SC State's defense limited the Buccaneers to 111 rushing yards and 194 passing yards, further demonstrating the Bulldogs' ability to compete defensively despite the final score.
The Bulldogs' offensive production was particularly encouraging, with SC State producing 27 first downs and converting 11 third-down opportunities while running 90 offensive plays.
Although four turnovers and costly special teams plays contributed to the outcome, the Bulldogs' ability to generate 470 yards of offense and score 23 second-half points provided encouraging signs moving forward.
Charleston Southern was led by quarterback Jared Echols, who completed 17 of 29 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Mekhi Campfield added five receptions for 82 yards and two scores.
The loss marked SC State's second consecutive setback following its 5-0 start to the season. However, the Bulldogs' second-half response, offensive production and determination to compete until the final whistle demonstrated the resilience of Berry's program.
With the nonconference contest behind them, the Bulldogs will look to build on their offensive success, eliminate costly mistakes and regain momentum as they prepare for the remainder of their schedule.
SC State Game Highlights
- Total offense: SC State 470 yards, Charleston Southern 305.
- Passing offense: SC State 368 yards, Charleston Southern 194.
- First downs: SC State 27, Charleston Southern 18.
- Time of possession: SC State 35:29, Charleston Southern 24:31.
- Third-down efficiency: SC State 11-of-21, Charleston Southern 2-of-9.
- Second-half scoring: SC State outscored Charleston Southern 23-14.
- Receiving leader: Malaqhi Jones, six receptions for 111 yards.
- Passing leader: Ronnie Robinson, 279 yards and one touchdown.
- Defensive leader: Jordan Franklin, seven tackles.
- Key comeback: SC State scored 17 unanswered points to cut a 26-point deficit to nine.
