BALTIMORE, Md. (AP) — In an impressive performance, backup quarterback Ryan Stubblefield led South Carolina State to a 54-7 victory over Morgan State on Saturday, securing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-2, dominating the game right from the start with a 26-0 lead. This is a significant achievement for South Carolina State, marking their first eight-win season since 2019.
Eric Phoenix opened the scoring by completing 10 of 11 passes and throwing a 31-yard touchdown to Justin Smith-Brown with just over six minutes left in the first quarter. Unfortunately, after an awkward slide following a 15-yard run, Phoenix left the game with an injury and did not return.
In the second quarter, Tyler Smith made a spectacular 86-yard run for another touchdown, bringing the score to 13-0 after the extra point attempt failed.
Things took a turn for Morgan State as Jarod Washington intercepted a pass from Dominique Anthony and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown, although the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, making it 19-0. Later in the game, Diego Addison added to the Bears’ woes with a 100-yard interception return in the third quarter, pushing the score to 47-7.
Malique Leatherbury managed to score the Bears’ only touchdown with an 11-yard run just before halftime.
Looking ahead, South Carolina State will conclude their regular season against Norfolk State on November 23. Regardless of the outcome, the Bulldogs are set to compete against the winner of the SWAC championship between Jackson State and Southern in the Celebration Bowl on December 14.
