ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Oct. 28, 2026) — Nationally ranked No. 22/25 South Carolina State will look to continue its winning ways and remain unbeaten in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play when the Bulldogs travel to Baltimore for a pivotal Thursday night showdown against Morgan State.
Kickoff is set for
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, with the contest televised nationally on ESPNU. The matchup is part of Morgan State's "Thursday Night Lights/Greek Night" celebration.
The defending MEAC champions enter the contest with a 6-2 overall record and a 1-0 mark in conference play under third-year head coach
Chennis Berry. Morgan State enters at 5-3 overall and 0-1 in league action.
SC State is coming off an impressive 22-7 victory over Norfolk State in its MEAC opener Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. The Bulldogs used a strong defensive performance, a balanced offensive attack and timely special teams play to secure their first conference victory of the season.
The Bulldogs, winners of back-to-back MEAC championships in 2024 and 2025, are looking to take another step toward a third consecutive league title and strengthen their position in the conference championship race.
BULLDOGS BRING EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE TO BALTIMORE
SC State enters Thursday's contest averaging 40.9 points and 443.6 yards of total offense per game. The Bulldogs have been particularly effective on the ground, averaging 212 rushing yards per contest while adding 231.6 yards through the air.
Sophomore running back
Mason Pickett-Hicks continues to provide an explosive presence in the Bulldogs' backfield. The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native leads SC State with 793 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 108 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
Pickett-Hicks also has 20 receptions for 204 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 997 all-purpose yards from rushing and receiving and 10 total touchdowns this season.
Quarterback Keely Watson has completed 112 of 178 passes for 1,368 yards and 11 touchdowns, while wide receiver
DJ Maultsby leads the Bulldogs with 417 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 20 receptions.
Malaqhi Jones has added a team-high 23 receptions for 350 yards, providing another dependable target in the passing game.
SC State's rushing attack has also benefited from
Josh Shaw, who has scored a team-leading 12 rushing touchdowns.
BULLDOG DEFENSE CONTINUES TO SET THE TONE
Defensively, SC State has been among the most productive units in the Football Championship Subdivision, holding opponents to 246.3 yards and 17.6 points per game.
The Bulldogs have been particularly stingy against the run, allowing just 94 rushing yards per contest while limiting opponents to 152.3 passing yards per game.
SC State has recorded 24 sacks through eight games and held opposing offenses to a 25.7% conversion rate on third down.
The Bulldogs' defensive front will face another significant challenge against a Morgan State offense that has demonstrated the ability to produce explosive plays through the passing game.
MORGAN STATE PRESENTS TOUGH ROAD TEST
Morgan State, which opened the season with five wins in its first six games, will be looking to rebound after consecutive losses to Tennessee State and Howard.
The Bears suffered a 26-20 setback against Howard in their MEAC opener Saturday.
Morgan State averages 355 yards and 27.8 points per game, led by quarterback Cameron Edge, who has completed 138 of 208 passes for 1,694 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Wide receiver Justin Perry leads the Bears with 29 receptions for 492 yards and three touchdowns, while Joseph Towler has recorded 20 catches for 434 yards and a team-high six receiving touchdowns.
Running back Keith Jenkins Jr. has been a versatile offensive weapon, rushing for 399 yards and three touchdowns while adding 275 receiving yards. Jenkins also has 552 kickoff return yards, including a 95-yard touchdown return.
Defensively, Morgan State is allowing 408.1 yards and 27 points per game. The Bears have recorded 22 sacks this season, while Darius Jones leads the team with 51 tackles.
KEYS TO THE GAME FOR SC STATE
- Establish the running game: Continue utilizing Pickett-Hicks, Shaw and the Bulldogs' offensive line to control the tempo and sustain drives.
- Pressure the quarterback: SC State's defensive front must disrupt Edge and limit Morgan State's opportunities to create explosive passing plays.
- Win the turnover battle: Protect possession while creating opportunities for the defense to force turnovers.
- Control third down: The Bulldogs enter the contest converting 44.6% of their third-down opportunities while holding opponents to 25.7%.
- Finish strong: Execute in the red zone and capitalize on scoring opportunities in a challenging road environment.
MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP IMPLICATIONS
Thursday's contest represents another important step in SC State's pursuit of a third straight MEAC championship.
A victory would improve the Bulldogs to 2-0 in conference play and provide valuable momentum heading into the remaining portion of the league schedule.
With a nationally televised audience watching, SC State will have an opportunity to showcase its championship tradition, offensive firepower and defensive toughness against a Morgan State program looking to regain momentum in conference play.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: No. 22/25 South Carolina State (6-2, 1-0 MEAC) at Morgan State (5-3, 0-1 MEAC)
Date: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Television: ESPNU
Radio: WEAA 88.9 FM/HSRN
Promotion: Thursday Night Lights/Greek Night
Game Links:
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS
For the latest news, scores, schedules and updates on South Carolina State athletics, visit
www.scsuathletics.com and follow SC State Athletics on its official social media platforms.
#WeAreSCState | #BulldogTenacity
Where Champions Are Built and Legends Are Made.
