DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman attempted to rally from a 24-7 halftime deficit but came up just short, falling to South Carolina State 31-21 at Daytona Stadium.
The Bulldogs (5-0) got out of the gates fast, beginning the game with a six play 69-yard touchdown drive that took just 2:17 to take an early 7-0 lead. A 25-yard completion from Keely Watson to Jahzae Kimbrough set SCSU up inside the Wildcat 10, with Josh Shaw able to punch it in from four yards out.
Bethune-Cookman (2-2) quickly responded with a touchdown drive of its own. On third and two, the Wildcats went with a quarterback draw for Tyler Jefferson, who showcased his speed with a 63-yard scamper to the house.
The early offense continued on SCSU's second drive. Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for 41 yards to the B-CU 31. Watson then found Troy Hillman in the end zone for his second touchdown pass to put the Bulldogs back in front.
The offense slowed for the following ten minutes, with both teams exchanging multiple punts. The Bulldogs would finally add to their lead with 5:12 remaining in the half. Watson threw his third touchdown pass of the night, a 32-yard strike to Darius Thompson, to make it 21-7.
SCSU then forced another punt after a sack by Ka'Von Chisholm before putting together a field goal drive just before halftime. Mason Pickett-Hicks recorded a 32-yard run, setting his team up for a 28-yard attempt by Jett Jackson. The kick was good and the Bulldogs led 24-7 at the end of the half.
The Wildcats began the second half with another punt. SCSU then drove the ball into B-CU territory, but the drive stalled at the 34 yard line. Jackson was then unable to convert on a 52-yard field goal attempt.
B-CU took advantage of the good field position with another quick touchdown drive. The big play came from Rashon Brown, who took a handoff for 45 yards to paydirt. SCSU's lead shrank to 24-14.
On the following drive, it was B-CU's defense that came up with the big play. Sadonnie Gay came up with a sack fumble that was recovered by Timothy Gulley at the SCSU 45.
The Wildcats would take advantage, succesfully converting a trick play to continue the comeback. Isaiah Daniel took a backwards pass from Jefferson and found a wide open Josh Evans for 35-yard touchdown pass. B-CU now trailed by just three.
In the fourth quarter, both offenses struggled to move the ball. The Wildcats had multiple opportunities to take the lead, but the Bulldogs' defense stood tall to force multiple punts.
South Carolina State finally came up with a scoring drive late in the fourth to put the game on ice. On the first play of the drive, Tyler Smith ran for 55 yards to the B-CU 30. They continued to run the ball with success, until Josh Shaw finally punched it in on 4th and goal from the one to extend the lead to 31-21 with 1:50 remaining.
The Wildcats did not have enough time to answer, as Bulldogs were able to hang on for the victory.
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- South Carolina State outgained the Wildcats 430 to 238.
- The Bulldogs finished with 10 penalties for 78 yards.
- Tyler Jefferson was the Wildcats' leading rusher with 93 yards.
- Rashon Brown took 11 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown.
- Josh Evans managed four catches for 65 yards and a score.
- Joseph Evans led B-CU with 10 tackles, including three for loss.
- Naim Lassiter accumulated nine tackles, with seven of them solo.
- The Bulldogs finished with five quarterback sacks. Josh Barker led the way with 2.5
The Wildcats will finish out the homestand next Saturday, as they open up SWAC play against Alabama State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.
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