ORANGEBURG, S.C.
Nothing was special about South Carolina State's special teams during Saturday's 24-23 victory against Norfolk State at Dawson Stadium.
The mistakes started when Oliver Young returned a punt for a touchdown - only to have it called back due to holding.
On South Carolina State's next possession, a block in the back on the punt return led to the Bulldogs starting on their own 9-yard line. Terrell Whitehead forced Will Ford to fumble and Josh Anderson recovered. That led to NSU's first score, a 2-yard run by DeAngelo Branche.
The Bulldogs were also called for roughing the kicker and had a kickoff out of bounds. Noted South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough, "We've got to clean it up."
Fresh minutes
P.J. Hayden got Jeremy Wicker's minutes - and made the most of it.
Wicker sprained his ankle against Bethune-Cookman two weeks ago and did not make the bus ride to Orangeburg. Hayden, whose play had been limited to special teams, made three catches for 27 yards, including a 16-yard reception.
"It was fun; I wish we had gotten the win," said the freshman receiver from James Monroe High in Fredericksburg.
Quick kicks
Linebacker Jason Dent did not make the trip to Orangeburg due to a concussion. Hasan Craig started in his place and forced Ford's fumble in the final minute.... Brandon Nance started at center for the Spartans, replacing Andy Ramer. That broke Ramer's string of starting 37 straight games; Ramer subbed at left guard....
The Bulldogs have a bye before meeting Hampton in what could be a clash of MEAC unbeatens Oct. 25 in Orangeburg.... South Carolina State has now won nine of its 11 meetings against Norfolk State, including every game in Orangeburg.... MEAC preseason Offensive Player of the Year Ford had his sixth straight 100-yard rushing game.
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