Chennis Berry got his first win as the new head coach of South Carolina State in a big out of conference matchup. In a thrilling game, SCSU secured a hard-fought victory over The Citadel with a final score of 23-20. It’s the second year in a row that South Carolina State beat the Citadel, winning 31-10 last season.
Passing Game
Eric Phoenix was instrumental in the win, completing 18 of 23 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. Chennis Berry had to be pleased with Phoenix’s performance and his efficiency which was key in managing the game without throwing an interception.
On the other side, The Citadel’s Johnathan Bennett threw for 169 yards on 13 of 22 passing attempts, with one touchdown and one interception. Despite the pressure from South Carolina State’s defense, Bennett managed to make some key plays but could not match the efficiency of South Carolina State’s aerial attack.
Rushing Attack
South Carolina State’s rushing game was a major factor in their victory, amassing 217 yards on 45 carries. Deondra Duehart led the charge with 128 yards on 18 carries. Eric Phoenix also contributed with 41 rushing yards, while Kazarius Adams and Josh Shaw added valuable yards. The Bulldogs’ strong ground game controlled the clock and kept The Citadel’s defense on its heels.
The Citadel’s rushing attack struggled to keep pace, gaining 106 yards on 26 carries. Corey Ibrahim had a notable performance with 52 yards on just 7 carries, including a long run of 48 yards. However, The Citadel’s rushing efforts were not enough to counter South Carolina State’s dominant performance on the ground.
Receiving
South Carolina State’s receiving corps was led by Justin Smith-Brown, who had 94 yards on 5 catches. Caden High was crucial with a touchdown reception, and Einaj Carter also contributed with key receptions. The Bulldogs’ receiving unit provided necessary support to Phoenix’s passing game, ensuring crucial completions and first downs.
The Citadel’s receiving was highlighted by Dervon Pesnell’s 72 yards on 2 catches. They managed to distribute the ball effectively, but their production was limited compared to South Carolina State’s. Saul Diaz caught The Citadel’s lone touchdown reception.
Special Teams
Special teams played a significant role in the SCSU win. Kyle Gallegos was solid, converting both extra points and a 30-yard field goal. On kick returns, Caden High and Einaj Carter provided strong performances, with High averaging 35 yards per return and Carter adding 20 yards on his return.
The Citadel’s Ben Barnes was perfect on both field goal attempts, including a 47-yarder, and added two extra points for a total of 8 points. Their kick return game was efficient, but the Bulldog’s coverage minimized the impact of those returns.
Defensive Efforts
South Carolina State’s defense was effective, forcing one crucial interception and maintaining solid pressure throughout the game. Adonis Davis made an important interception, contributing to the Bulldogs’ defensive success and helping to secure the victory.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina State’s victory was marked by their dominant performance in several key areas, including first downs, total yards, and time of possession. Their ability to balance an effective passing and rushing game while avoiding turnovers proved decisive in their 23-20 win over The Citadel. SCSU will look to build on this successful performance and continue their strong season. Chennis Berry will take his squad to Georgia Southern next week for a 6pm kickoff.