South Carolina State defeats Howard to remain undefeated in MEAC play

South Carolina State secured a 35-28 victory over Howard in Washington, D.C., maintaining a perfect record in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform poll, overcame a late surge by Howard to keep their championship aspirations alive.

Ricorian Brown delivered the decisive blow with a 9-yard touchdown run with 17 seconds remaining in the game. This score capped a 74-yard drive following a Howard touchdown that had tied the game at 28.

South Carolina State controlled much of the contest, building a 21-7 lead by halftime through field goals by Jett Jackson and a touchdown pass from Keely Watson to Jahzae Kimbrough. Howard mounted a comeback in the third quarter with two touchdown passes from Isaiah Freeman, but Brown’s fourth-quarter runs ultimately secured the win for the Bulldogs.