Image via the Tallahassee Democrat
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — South Carolina State made a statement on one of HBCU football’s biggest stages Sunday, overpowering Florida A&M 31-13 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium.
The No. 22 Bulldogs improved to 2-0 behind a dominant rushing attack and a defense that made life miserable for the Rattlers throughout the afternoon. South Carolina State finished with 479 total yards, including 292 on the ground, while limiting Florida A&M to just 161 total yards and minus-1 rushing yard.
The Bulldogs also controlled the first-down battle 19-10 and held FAMU to just 4-of-17 on third down.
Pickett-Hicks Puts on a Show
The biggest offensive story was South Carolina State running back Mason Pickett-Hicks, who delivered a spectacular performance.
Pickett-Hicks carried the ball just 17 times but exploded for 210 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per carry. His longest runs went for 58 and 32 yards, accounting for two of the Bulldogs’ biggest scoring plays.
His 58-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter immediately shifted momentum toward South Carolina State.
After Florida A&M opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal from Emilio Bacardi, Pickett-Hicks needed only two plays to put the Bulldogs ahead. Twenty-eight seconds later, Josh Shaw added another rushing touchdown after Sharmari Reed recovered an Isaiah Knowles fumble at the FAMU 6-yard line.
South Carolina State led 14-3 after the opening quarter.
Bulldogs Continue to Control the Game
FAMU managed to cut the deficit to 14-6 on Bacardi’s second field goal, but South Carolina State answered with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.
Shaw finished the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, a 1-yard plunge that pushed the Bulldogs’ lead to 21-6.
South Carolina State carried that momentum into the third quarter.
The Bulldogs marched 75 yards on just four plays, with Pickett-Hicks breaking loose for his second touchdown — a 32-yard run — to make it 28-6.
FAMU’s only touchdown came from the defense.
Justin Bostic intercepted South Carolina State quarterback Keely Watson and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-13 with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter.
But the Rattlers could get no closer.
Jett Jackson eventually put the finishing touch on the victory with a 39-yard field goal with 1:09 remaining.
South Carolina State Defense Dominates
While Pickett-Hicks provided the fireworks, South Carolina State’s defense was arguably just as impressive.
The Bulldogs recorded five sacks, 15 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, while completely eliminating FAMU’s running game. The Rattlers finished with 30 rushing attempts for minus-1 yard.
Jordan Dollard led the defensive effort with six tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Josh Barker added two sacks, while Ka’Von Chisolm recorded another sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Most importantly, the Bulldogs did not allow Florida A&M’s offense to score a touchdown. FAMU’s lone touchdown came from Bostic’s interception return.
Watson Efficient as Bulldogs Pound the Ground
South Carolina State quarterback Keely Watson completed 10 of 17 passes for 168 yards. Malaqhi Jones led the receiving corps with six catches for 72 yards, while Troy Hillman added two receptions for 58 yards.
The Bulldogs’ offense averaged 7.7 yards per rushing attempt and 8.3 yards per offensive play.
Even with three turnovers and 112 penalty yards, South Carolina State consistently created explosive plays and kept FAMU from establishing any offensive rhythm.
FAMU Struggles to Generate Offense
Florida A&M quarterback Isaiah Knowles finished with 94 passing yards, while Dustin Fletcher added 68 yards through the air.
Kieren Jackson was FAMU’s leading receiver with four catches for 69 yards.
But the Rattlers’ inability to run the football proved costly. Jamal Hailey was held to just 13 yards on 11 carries, while the entire FAMU rushing attack finished in negative yardage.
Justin Bostic was the bright spot defensively, finishing with six tackles and two interceptions, including his 80-yard touchdown return.
Scoring by Quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| South Carolina State | 14 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
| Florida A&M | 3 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
Scoring Plays
1st Quarter
- FAMU — Emilio Bacardi 30-yard FG
- SCSU — Mason Pickett-Hicks 58-yard TD run
- SCSU — Josh Shaw 6-yard TD run
2nd Quarter
- FAMU — Emilio Bacardi 31-yard FG
- SCSU — Josh Shaw 1-yard TD run
3rd Quarter
- SCSU — Mason Pickett-Hicks 32-yard TD run
- FAMU — Justin Bostic 80-yard interception return TD
4th Quarter
- SCSU — Jett Jackson 39-yard FG
What This Means
South Carolina State moves to 2-0 with back-to-back impressive victories after opening the season with an 87-0 demolition of Savannah State.
The Bulldogs have now scored 118 points in their first two games, while their defense has surrendered just 13.
For Florida A&M, the loss drops the Rattlers to 1-1. The schedule doesn’t get any easier: FAMU now turns around to face the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Hard Rock Stadium.
South Carolina State returns home Sept. 12 to host Virginia State.
Final: South Carolina State 31, Florida A&M 13.
