ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State will begin its quest for a third consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) football championship Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Bulldogs host Norfolk State in a highly anticipated Homecoming showdown at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on Willie Jeffries Field.

Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on ESPN+.

The Bulldogs (5-2), under third-year head coach Chennis Berry, enter conference play looking to defend their back-to-back MEAC championships and build momentum in front of the Bulldog faithful.

SC State features one of the nation's most productive offenses, averaging 43.6 points and 461.1 total yards per contest through seven games. The Bulldogs have been equally impressive defensively, allowing just 241.6 yards per outing, including 90.7 yards rushing.

Norfolk State (4-3) enters the contest averaging 35.3 points and 415.6 yards per game. The Spartans feature a balanced offensive attack, averaging 214 yards rushing and 201.6 yards passing. Defensively, Norfolk State allows 292.6 yards per contest.

Bulldogs to Watch

• QB Keely Watson: Completed 91 of 140 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns.
• RB Mason Pickett-Hicks: Leads the rushing attack with 741 yards and five touchdowns while adding 170 receiving yards and three scores.
• RB Josh Shaw: Leads the Bulldogs with 12 rushing touchdowns and 238 yards on the ground.
• WR DJ Maultsby: Leads the receiving corps with 360 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 24 yards per reception.
• WR Malaqhi Jones: Has recorded a team-high 21 receptions for 296 yards and one touchdown.

Spartans to Watch

• QB Dajean Golmond: Has passed for 774 yards and six touchdowns while adding 157 rushing yards.
• RB Jalyn Daniels: Leads Norfolk State with 610 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
• WR Elyjah Mitchell: Has a team-high 32 receptions for 387 yards and three touchdowns.
• WR Brevin Caldwell: Has contributed 22 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
• DB Josiah Davis: Leads the Spartans with three interceptions.

Keys to the Game
SC State will look to establish its physical rushing attack, protect the football and continue its strong defensive play against a Norfolk State offense capable of producing explosive plays.
T
he Bulldogs have recorded 22 sacks through seven games, while the Spartans have collected 17. Both teams will look to control the line of scrimmage and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Saturday's matchup marks the beginning of another challenging MEAC championship race as SC State looks to defend its home field and take the first step toward a conference three-peat.

For more information on SC State Athletics, visit www.scsuathletics.com.