Getting to Know: South Carolina St.

South Carolina State - Sept. 22

A Season Ago…

The Bulldogs of South Carolina State went 7-4 a season ago with a season that included losses to Florida A&M, Norfolk State, Indiana and Central Michigan. Oliver “Buddy” Pough will be entering his 11th season at the head of the Bulldog Program, where he has an impressive 64-15 record in MEAC play.

Names to Know…

Joe Thomas

The 6-foot, 230 pound Thomas is a redshirt junior from Blackville, South Carolina that recorded over 100 tackles on the season in 2011 to lead the team.

Asheton Jordan

Jordan, a senior runningback from Summerville, South Carolina averaged over 5.5 yards per carry last season on his way to over 770 yards on the season. However, he’s not the only threat in their backfield.

Richard Cue

Cue also returns after a season where he averaged 5.8 yards per attempt and gained over 500 yards on the season, while also throwing for 900 yards on the year.

Tyler McDonald

It’s not very often that a team has their leading passer, rusher, and wide receiver back, but that’s the case for the Bulldogs. Tyler McDonald had 41 catches for over 570 yards for the Bulldogs last season.

How South Carolina State can win this game…

Quite frankly, the Aggies would have to completely melt down in order to lose this game. Even then, they should be able to play horribly and still win. South Carolina State just doesn’t have the athletes to match up with A&M.

If that’s not enough, the largest crowd the Bulldogs played in front of last season was just over 41,000 people at Indiana. They’ll likely see double that when they head to Kyle Field in late September.

But, for the sake of keeping it consistent, here’s the scenario. The Aggies come into this game after going 3-0 including a triumphant win over Florida at Kyle Field. Looking ahead to their next game against Arkansas they don’t take South Carolina State seriously. On top of that, South Carolina’s veteran players have a career day. First exposing A&M’s weaknesses against the zone rushing game, and then capitalizing on chances when the Aggie safeties start creeping up into the box. After A&M’s young quarterbacks throw several key interceptions, the Bulldogs are able to hold on late for a victory.

That said ,even if all of that happened, A&M should still probably be able to overcome it and win this game. The mismatch just really is that bad.