Dover, Del. (Oct. 23, 2021) --- Delaware State suffered its third loss to South Carolina State in seven months today, coming up short 13-7 to the Bulldogs in the Hornets' MEAC opener on homecoming Saturday at Alumni Stadium.
DSU failed in an attempt for three wins in a row for the first time since 2012 to fall to 3-4 overall, while SC State won its second straight to improve to 3-4 and 2-0 in the MEAC.
Delaware State outgained the Bulldogs 244-235 in total offense, but was plagued by two turnovers and several penalties that halted promising drives or overturned big plays.
South Carolina State held a 208-132 advantage in passing yards, while the Hornets ran for 112 yards to just 27 for the Bulldogs.
SC State opened the scoring midway through the first quarter following a Hornet turnover. The Bulldogs received started the possession at the DSU 13 yard line when quarterback Jared Lewis lost the ball on a sack, however they were forced to settle for a field goal when the Hornet defense allowed just six yards on the next three plays.
Later in the first quarter, South Carolina State started a drive at the DSU 38 when Zafir Kelly intercepted a Lewis pass and advanced the ball 33 yards on the return. The Bulldogs reached the DSU 29 on the possession but could get no further as a result of a fourth down stop by the Hornet defense.
After Delaware State lost the ball on downs at the South Carolina State 42, the Bulldogs drove 53 yards on six plays to the DSU 5, but settled for another field goal to lead 6-0 with 8:55 left in the second quarter.
The Hornets failed to get a first down on the ensuing possession, and this time South Carolina State took advantage with a touchdown.
On the second play of the Bulldog possession Corey Fields completed a 50-yard pass to Shaquan Davis to the Delaware State 14. Two plays later, Jacory Benson ran three yards to the end zone for the first touchdown of the game.  The extra point kick by Gavyn Zimmerman put the Bulldogs ahead 13-0 with 4:37 to go before halftime.
Delaware State drove to the SC State 12 on the ensuing possession, but Jake Bridel missed a 28 yard field goal attempt, after two timeouts by the Bulldogs, with 44 seconds left before the break.
The Hornets drove to the SC State 38 on the first possession of the second half, but was forced to punt.
After the Delaware State defense held the Bulldogs to just three yards on the next three plays, SC State punted from its own 10.  DSU's Charles Peeler fielded the ball at the Bulldog 45 and darted up the middle before shifting left to the end zone for a touchdown to get the Hornets on the board.
It was Delaware State's first punt return touchdown since Keenan Black (57 yds.) vs. Lincoln in 2018.
Bridel's extra point kick pulled the Hornets to within 13-7 with 8:19 left in the third quarter.
Delaware State drove to the SC State 31 late in the third quarter but could get no further the rest of the way.
South Carolina State consumed seven-and-a-half minutes of the fourth quarter clock to help seal the win. The possession was highlighted by three third down conversions.
Delaware State freshman back Sy'Veon Wilkerson led all players with 96 yards rushing, including a long of 23 yards, on 25 carries.
Lewis completed 12 of 27 passes for 132 yards with the one interception. Kwannah Kollie had a team-high six catches for 53 yards for the Hornets.
Junior Devin Curry, a Wesley College transfer, had a career-best 46-yard reception in the game, the longest by a Hornet this season.
On the defense, Jawain Granger and Mario Goings shared team-high honors with five tackles each, while Isaiah Williams had three tackles, including 2.5 behind the line-of-scrimmage (-10 yds.).
Omakus Langley had his second sack of the season for the Hornets.
South Carolina State has won five straight and seven of the last eight contests against the Hornets, including 17-9 and 31-28 victories vs. the Hornets last spring.
Delaware State returns to action next Saturday (Oct. 30) at home against Howard. Game time is set for 2:05 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.