Delaware State vs. South Carolina State Set for MEAC Showdown

The upcoming clash between DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets and Chennis Berry’s South Carolina State Bulldogs carries high stakes beyond a regular season finale. With both teams unbeaten in MEAC play, the winner will emerge as the conference’s top team and claim the league’s bid to the Celebration Bowl.

Though the MEAC does not host an official championship game, this matchup functions as one. Delaware State and South Carolina State have established themselves as the top programs in HBCU football this season, with the winner taking the crown through head-to-head supremacy.

Coaching philosophies define the matchup. Chennis Berry has rapidly built a culture of sustained excellence at South Carolina State, following in the footsteps of MEAC legend Buddy Pough. His track record includes back-to-back undefeated SIAC seasons and deep Division II playoff runs before arriving at SC State, where he continued his winning ways.

DeSean Jackson’s story at Delaware State is different but equally compelling. Hired amid high expectations, he promised immediate contention and a Celebration Bowl appearance, a bold claim given the program’s prior two-win seasons. Under Jackson, the Hornets have become a formidable team, demonstrating a dominant rushing attack that has propelled them to the brink of a conference title.

1. Delaware State’s Rushing Power

Delaware State’s success this season has hinged on a powerful ground game. Running backs Marquis Gillis and James Jones have anchored the attack, supported by quarterback Kaiden Bennett’s mobility. Together, they have made the Hornets one of the top rushing teams in the FCS. Their offense relies heavily on the run-pass option (RPO) and play-action schemes to maximize big-play potential. The Hornets have leveraged their rushing dominance to open passing opportunities, keeping opposing defenses off balance. The challenge for Delaware State comes against South Carolina State, which leads the MEAC in rushing defense. The Bulldogs’ physical defensive line has consistently disrupted elite rushing attacks, demonstrating a combination of strength, discipline, and gap control. Key matchups will be critical. Bennett’s ability to complement his running backs with passing efficiency will determine if Delaware State can overcome a defensive front built to neutralize their primary weapon.

2. South Carolina State’s Defensive Edge

South Carolina State’s defense has the tools to control the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs’ defensive front consistently pressures opposing backfields, limiting running lanes and forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Recent performances illustrate their capabilities. Against North Carolina Central, South Carolina State held star running back Chris Mosley to just 88 rushing yards, showcasing the defensive unit’s ability to stifle top-tier rushing attacks. The Bulldogs can also draw insights from Morgan State’s game plan earlier in the season. Damon Wilson’s Bears held Delaware State’s backs to minimal gains, limiting the running game to just 14 yards outside of Jones’s output. This demonstrates the defensive formula necessary to disrupt the Hornets’ offensive engine. By controlling the trenches and forcing Bennett to rely on his arm, SC State has a clear blueprint to neutralize Delaware State’s primary offensive strengths, giving the Bulldogs an edge in this high-stakes contest.

3. Strategic Implications and Prediction

The game is a clash of contrasting approaches. Delaware State relies on explosive, high-tempo rushing schemes, while South Carolina State counters with disciplined, physical defense built to shut down the ground game. Offensive adjustments will be essential for Delaware State. Success may hinge on diversifying the attack, using play-action passes to complement the run and exploiting any weaknesses in the Bulldogs’ secondary. Conversely, South Carolina State can lean on defensive continuity and experience, executing a game plan that has proven effective against similar rushing teams. The Bulldogs’ personnel and execution make them a difficult matchup for any opponent heavily reliant on the run. Given the Bulldogs’ defensive consistency and the Hornets’ reliance on a single offensive dimension, the prediction favors South Carolina State. By neutralizing Delaware State’s ground game, Berry’s team is positioned to secure the MEAC title and a berth in the Celebration Bowl.