South Carolina State wins third straight MEAC title

South Carolina State defeated rival North Carolina Central 38-24 to win its third consecutive MEAC football championship and 21st overall. The Bulldogs overcame a back-and-forth first half that ended tied 24-24, then took the lead on Keely Watson’s touchdown pass to Malaqhi Jones early in the third quarter. South Carolina State’s defense shut out the Eagles after halftime, with linebacker Marquis Lane-Owens sealing the win with a 15-yard interception return for a touchdown. Watson threw three touchdown passes, while Jones caught two scoring passes, including a 58-yard touchdown from Zaivan Offord.