Ricorian Brown delivered a clutch performance to secure a 35-28 victory for South Carolina State over Howard on Thursday night, capping a dramatic finish with a game-winning touchdown run with just 17 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs (8-2, 3-0 MEAC), currently ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform poll, overcame a significant third-quarter deficit after Howard erased a 21-7 halftime lead. Brown’s 143-yard rushing effort proved decisive, as he not only kept the offense alive but also struck twice to seal the win for the Bucs.
Bulldogs survive a third-quarter scare to secure their third straight MEAC victory.
The game’s momentum shifted rapidly in the third quarter when Howard tied the score at 21, forcing South Carolina State to respond. Brown re-established the lead with a 9-yard rush with 10:21 left in the fourth, but Howard’s Isaiah Freeman countered with a 51-yard strike to CJ Neely to tie the game at 28 with 2:52 remaining. The final drive was a testament to the Bulldogs’ resilience, as they moved 74 yards in seven plays to set up Brown’s decisive 9-yard score, ending Howard’s hopes for an upset.
South Carolina State’s offense was balanced and efficient, with quarterback Keely Watson completing 21 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Malaqhi Jones was a key target, hauling in nine receptions for 107 yards, while kicker Jett Jackson added points from 34 and 49 yards out. For Howard (4-6, 1-2 MEAC), Freeman threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns, but the defense could not contain Brown in the closing minutes. Antonio Hunter led the Bulldogs with five catches for 52 yards and two scores, yet it was not enough to overcome South Carolina State’s late-game execution.
Source: Yahoo Sports
