A new era begins for the South Carolina State Bulldogs football team as they enter the 2024 season without legendary head coach Buddy Pough.
Pough’s successor will be former Benedict head coach Chennis Berry, who led his team to consecutive undefeated regular seasons and SIAC championships.
Berry will be joined by numerous contributors from Benedict’s championship squad, including All-SIAC selections Jayden Broughton and Dedrick Starkes.
South Carolina State is a surprise team in a conference that’s still up for grabs, but with so many players moving up from Division II, many wonder if that dominance can be replicated with tougher competition.
Here are our game predictions for the 2024 South Carolina State football season.
31.08. Florida A&M – (N)
Previous meeting: Florida A&M 20-14, 2022
South Carolina State begins the Chennis Berry era with a matchup against former MEAC member Florida A&M. The last time the Bulldogs faced the Rattlers, they couldn’t overcome a 20-0 deficit and a fourth-down stop dashed their comeback hopes. Both teams enter this season looking to make a mark in their respective conferences with an entirely new roster of characters. South Carolina State is looking for its first win against Florida A&M since 2018.
Record: 0-1
9/7 The Citadel- (W)
Previous meeting: South Carolina State 31-10, 2023
The Bulldogs then travel to Charleston, South Carolina, where they will play The Citadel. Last season, The Citadel finished the year with an 0-11 record, including a 31-10 loss to South Carolina State. There’s no reason the outcome should be any different this time.
Score: 1-1
14.9. Georgia Southern – (N)
Previous meeting: Georgia Southern 37-6, 2018
In their only game against an FBS opponent this season, South Carolina State will face Georgia Southern. Georgia Southern posted a record of 6-7 heading into the 2023 season and has been bowl eligible each of the last two years. Linebacker Marques Watson-Trent will be a player to keep an eye on in Georgia Southern’s defense after ranking in the top 20 in the FBS in total tackles.
Record: 1-2
28.9. North Carolina A&T – (W)
Previous meeting: North Carolina A&T 41-27, 2022
South Carolina State prepares for another matchup against a former MEAC opponent when they welcome North Carolina A&T to Orangeburg. A win against the Aggies has been difficult for the Bulldogs, as they have lost their last seven games against them. However, this is not the same Aggies team they have faced in years past, as they are coming off a 1-10 season. There is no better time for SCSU to end their losing streak against NCAT.
Record: 2-2
10/5 Tennessee Tech – (N)
Previous meeting: Tennessee Tech 28-7, 2023
South Carolina State is looking to get revenge on Tennessee Tech after suffering a significant loss to them last season. Last year, Tennessee Tech embarrassed SCSU on their home field, scoring 28 unanswered points after allowing a 90-yard touchdown on the opening drive. Two of Tennessee Tech’s four wins have come against HBCUs, with the other win coming to Tennessee State. South Carolina State will travel to Cookeville and look to even the score.
Balance: 2-3
10/19 Fort Valley State – (W)
Previous meeting: Never
Chennis Berry dips his toes back into the SIAC waters when his Bulldogs face Fort Valley State. The last time a Chennis Berry-led team faced Fort Valley State was in 2022, when Benedict spoiled the Wildcats’ homecoming, handing them a 45-13 loss. Fort Valley State finished the 2023 season with an overall record of 8-3, including a win at the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl. This won’t be an easy game for the Bulldogs, as the Wildcats are a top contender in the SIAC who could very well pull off an upset in this contest.
Record: 3-3
26.10. Delaware State – (W)
Previous meeting: South Carolina State 35-7, 2023
In their home opener, South Carolina State begins their conference schedule against Delaware State. After a five-game winning streak against the Hornets was snapped in 2022, the Bulldogs were able to get back on track with a decisive 35-7 victory last season. This should be another win for South Carolina State, as they have more talent on paper.
Record: 4-3, 1-0
31.10. North Carolina Central – (N)
Previous meeting: North Carolina Central 62-28, 2023
South Carolina State is looking for revenge against North Carolina Central after losing a lopsided game to them last season. The Eagles’ 62-28 victory is the most lopsided result in the series since South Carolina State won 44-3 in 2013. The Bulldogs’ loss ended a three-game winning streak against NC Central. The Eagles have not won consecutive games against SCSU since 2018.
Record: 4-4, 1-1
11/9 Howard – (Left)
Previous meeting: South Carolina State 27-24, 2023
Howard has a chance to avenge its only conference loss in 2023 when they welcome South Carolina State to Washington, D.C. The Bisons’ path to their first outright MEAC title almost didn’t work out when a loss to the Bulldogs put their championship hopes in jeopardy. The last time South Carolina State played Howard at Greene Stadium, however, the story was different, and the Bisons emerged victorious.
Record: 4-5, 1-2
16.11. Morgan State – (W)
Previous meeting: Morgan State 20-17, 2023
In their final road game of the season, South Carolina State travels to Baltimore to play against Morgan State. For the first time in 50 years, the Bears beat the Bulldogs in back-to-back games, earning their eighth win in the series since 1971. This game will be a battle of styles, as both teams boast dominant defenses and unproven offenses. The team that performs best on offense will walk away the winner.
Record: 5-5, 2-2
23.11. Norfolk State – (W)
Previous meeting: South Carolina State 44-17, 2023
South Carolina State will end its 2024 season at home with a game against Norfolk State. These teams have been evenly matched in recent years, splitting their last six meetings. The Bulldogs defeated the Spartans in their last game thanks to a 30-point second half. Interestingly, the home team hasn’t won in this series since South Carolina State did so in 2014. The Bulldogs could put an end to that trend, as they are the favorites to emerge victorious from this contest.
Record: 6-5, 3-2
