The transition from Buddy Pough to Chennis Berry is becoming one of the most seamless and successful head-coaching handoffs in modern HBCU football. What SC State has built, and what Berry has continued, should be studied. It should be examined. It should be respected. Because once again, the South Carolina State Bulldogs are going back to the Celebration Bowl, and they earned every bit of it.
SC State defeated Delaware State 28–17 in the de facto MEAC Championship Game, completing an undefeated 5–0 run in conference play and extending Coach Berry’s unbelievable streak: he has never lost to a MEAC opponent since taking over in Orangeburg. His team’s toughness, discipline, and ability to make plays in key moments were on full display again today.
A Hard-Fought MEAC Title Bout
Delaware State entered the day at 4–0 in the MEAC, riding one of the best rushing attacks in the country and a wave of national attention thanks to head coach Desean Jackson. And they came to play.
At one point, the Hornets closed the gap to four. Marquis Gillis broke loose for a long touchdown run, part of DSU’s staggering 242 rushing yards on the day. Delaware State’s offensive identity was clear: run the football with authority. Between James Jones , K. Bennett, and Gillis, the Hornets averaged chunk play after chunk play on the ground.
But the passing game, the one thing reporters have asked Coach Jackson about repeatedly this season, simply wasn’t there when they needed it most. The Hornets finished with low total passing yards, with quarterbacks combining to go 6-of-18.
Despite that, this was NOT a blowout. Delaware State fought. Their defense forced long fields. Their run game kept them alive late into the matchup.
But SC State wouldn’t break.
SC State Showed Championship Poise
Quarterback W. Atkins IV delivered 10-of-16 passing for 175 yards and a touchdown, leading a balanced and efficient Bulldog offense. On the ground, SC State mixed carries between T. Smith (8 for 30 yards) and Atkins himself, who added 10 yards.
The Bulldogs didn’t dominate statistically — they simply executed when it mattered. They scored in all four quarters (7–7–7–7), showing the steady, disciplined identity that has become Berry’s signature.
And defensively? SC State held a powerful rushing offense to field goals and limited explosive plays. They won the turnover battle. They controlled the moment. They controlled the scoreboard.
This is what championship teams do.
Desean Jackson’s Hornets: A Breakthrough Year
Coach Desean Jackson has been one of the most electric, fiery, and engaging first-year head coaches in all of FCS football. He brought new life to Delaware State, brought fans into the stadium, brought attention to the MEAC, and established a clear identity: run the ball and hit you in the mouth.
His team finishes the year 8–4, with a bright, bright future ahead.
Del State’s rushing attack, with Jones, Bennett, and Gillis, is elite. But the passing game must evolve for them to take the next step. Today made that clear. A 3-for-11 performance from the starting quarterback in the biggest game of the year isn’t sustainable.
Still, the foundation is strong. The culture is in place. And Jackson has proven he is absolutely here to build something special.
“Glory Hallelujah! We Are Going Back!”
When SC State received their championship trophy, the moment said everything.
Chennis Berry belted out:
“Glory Hallelujah! We are going back!”
It was loud. It was emotional.
It was earned.
This Bulldogs team isn’t just winning, they’re establishing dominance, continuity, and stability in an era where few programs have it.
Coach Berry has now:
- Gone undefeated in MEAC play
- Never lost to a MEAC opponent
- Led the Bulldogs back to Atlanta for the Celebration Bowl
The Buddy Pough legacy lives on. But Berry has clearly added his own powerful chapter.
Next Stop: Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State now awaits the winner of the SWAC Championship, setting up another massive stage in Atlanta.
Whether they face the physicality from the SWAC West or the explosiveness from the SWAC East, one thing is certain, the Bulldogs will arrive confident, prepared, and ready to fight.
The Celebration Bowl is where legends are made.
And SC State is right back in the spotlight.
