Overview
- Kickoff is Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in Dover, where both teams enter 8-3 overall and undefeated in MEAC play.
- Delaware State features the FCS’s top rushing offense at roughly 277–284 yards per game and has averaged 42 points and 363 rushing yards in home wins.
- South Carolina State ranks 16th nationally in rushing defense at 113.5 yards allowed per game and recently held North Carolina Central to 88 rushing yards, though its scoring defense allows 27.18 points per game.
- The Hornets’ defense has surged, limiting Howard to 43 rushing yards and producing three takeaways that led to nine points during a five-game winning streak.
- The winner clinches the MEAC title and a spot in the Dec. 13 Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, with Delaware State seeking its first berth under its first-year coach.