The defending HBCU national champion South Carolina State Bulldogs opened the 2026 season by dismantling Savannah State 87-0 on Saturday evening.
South Carolina State scored 21 points in the first quarter before erupting for 31 more in the second. The Bulldogs carried a 52-0 advantage into halftime at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
The second half offered little relief for Savannah State. South Carolina State added 14 points in the third quarter and 21 more in the fourth to complete the shutout.
South Carolina State offense overwhelms Savannah State
The Bulldogs piled up 627 yards of total offense, including 423 yards on the ground. They averaged 9.2 yards per rushing attempt and finished with 32 first downs. South Carolina State also converted eight of its 10 third-down opportunities.
Mason Pickett-Hicks rushed for 95 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. He also caught four passes, including a touchdown reception.
Josh Shaw scored three rushing touchdowns while finishing with 74 yards on nine attempts. Ricorian Brown added 75 yards and a score on seven carries.
South Carolina State quarterback Keely Watson completed eight of 12 passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Ronnie Robinson contributed 96 passing yards and added a 30-yard touchdown run.
The Bulldogs scored seven rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns. Their special teams unit added the final score when Jayden Fuller blocked a Savannah State punt. Mathew Joines recovered it in the end zone with 1:50 remaining.
HBCU champions dominate on defense
While South Carolina State moved the ball almost at will, its defense completely overwhelmed Savannah State. The Tigers managed only 117 yards of total offense and six first downs.
Savannah State completed seven passes for 42 yards and averaged just 1.9 yards per rushing attempt. The Tigers also turned the ball over three times.
SCSU held Savannah State to three conversions on 15 third-down attempts. The Tigers never reached the red zone.
The Bulldogs entered the season after defeating Prairie View A&M 40-38 in four overtimes to win the 2025 Celebration Bowl and HBCU national championship.
Their first performance as defending champions required much less drama. South Carolina State came within three points of 90 while handing Savannah State one of the most lopsided defeats in program history.
The Bulldogs are 1-0 after delivering a dominant opening statement.