Bulldogs quarterback Eric Phoenix accounted for 381 yards of offense and wide receiver Caden High scored two touchdowns as South Carolina State outrebounded North Carolina Central 24-21. They are now firmly in control of the MEAC and their destiny heading into the 2024 Celebration Bowl.

Coaches Chennis Berry and Trei Oliver were friends and former colleagues with the same acumen to deliver an intriguing experience at Oliver C. Smith Stadium. MEAC A classic that will be discussed for years to come.

The Bulldogs turned the football into action with misdirection and an explosive play. Erice Phoenix was very good on his first drive, but after three consecutive offensive plays near the goal line, NCCU’s front seven was too strong.

The Bulldogs took a 3-0 lead, forcing a 20-yard field goal by Gallegos.

Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards in 6:08, start at 8:47.

Drive: 81 yards in 4:59 minutes and 1:40 on 11 plays.

SECOND QUARTER

On 4th and 2, Phoenix threw tight end Toney for a first down. Phoenix then saw an opening to score an 11-yard field goal while running over NCCU defenders. First down 23 seconds before halftime.

Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:29 over with 32 seconds to play in 2nd quarter.

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First Half Statistics

NCCU: 47 total yards, SCS: 266 total yards; NCCU 3 penalties for 35 yards

SCS – 4 penalties for 36 yards

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Drive: 3 plays 42 yards, 50 seconds

Two plays later, Phoenix took the football to High for a 42-yard field goal; It was his second goal of the evening.

Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 33 seconds, 20 seconds in 3rd quarter

Harris hit Quick for a 51-yard field goal. The Eagles were close to 10 points with 12:31 left in the match.

Drive: Six plays, 84 yards in 2:45.

The Eagles’ defensive unit forced the Bulldogs into the first three and out of the game. NCCU received the football at its 34-yard line with 11:18 left.

Chauncey Spikes led the Bulldogs with a 66-yard touchdown pass on second down to pull the Eagles within three points, 24-21, with 11:05 to play.

Drive: 1 play, 66 yards, 13 seconds

The momentum swung in the Eagles’ favor as the defense held the Bulldogs back on a three-and-out.

Harris began to feel comfortable in the pocket, choosing the placement of the ball with his receivers. Two interior defensive linemen for South Carolina State were injured in subsequent games. Trailing by 3 points, Trei Oliver called for J’Mari Taylor to take the first down with 7:38 left in the contest, moving the chains and establishing 1st-and-10 at the 34-yard line.

Harris climbed into the pocket, but Ashaad Hall sacked him, creating a fumble for South Carolina State and recovering the ball at the 46-yard line with 6:23 left.

Eric Phoenix scored the third point with an 11-yard run to the left at 4:40. After 2:45 and three plays on the field of play, Central was awarded a defensive penalty, resulting in the Bulldogs’ first down.

On 3rd and 21, Phoenix rushed for 20 yards, giving SCS a chance to gain more time on a first down. It was 4th and 1 when coach Chennis Berry called Shaw to hand the Bulldogs their first down.

The Eagles took a timeout with 1:55 minutes left in the game. Trei Oliver was visibly upset after being charged with calling a timeout for questioning a play, which led to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. After all, finishing the match — victory formation.

The Bulldogs control their own destiny and the MEAC, winning 24-21.