Tyler Jefferson and Bethune-Cookman rallied from a 24-7 halftime deficit, but South Carolina State held on for a 31-21 victory over the Wildcats on September 26, 2026, at Daytona Stadium in Daytona Beach, Florida.
South Carolina State improved to 5-0, while Bethune-Cookman fell to 2-2. The Wildcats scored 14 points in the third quarter to pull within three, but South Carolina State held them scoreless in the fourth quarter.
South Carolina State builds halftime lead
South Carolina State opened the game with a six-play, 69-yard touchdown drive that took 2:17. Keely Watson connected with Jahzae Kimbrough for 25 yards to move the Bulldogs inside the Bethune-Cookman 10-yard line, and Josh Shaw finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.
Bethune-Cookman answered on its next possession. On third-and-2, Jefferson kept the ball on a quarterback draw and ran 63 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
South Carolina State regained the lead on its next drive after Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for 41 yards to the Bethune-Cookman 31-yard line. Watson then found Troy Hillman for an 18-yard touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs extended their advantage when Watson threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Darius Thompson. Jett Jackson added a 34-yard field goal with 1:01 remaining in the half, giving South Carolina State a 24-7 lead at halftime.
Wildcats cut the deficit in the third quarter
South Carolina State drove into Bethune-Cookman territory to begin the second half, but the possession ended when Jackson missed a 52-yard field-goal attempt. Bethune-Cookman then used the field position to produce a quick scoring drive.
Rashon Brown broke a 45-yard touchdown run to bring the Wildcats within 24-14. Brown finished with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Bethune-Cookman’s defense created another opportunity on the following South Carolina State possession. Sadonnie Gay recorded a sack and forced a fumble, and Timothy Gulley recovered the ball at the South Carolina State 45-yard line.
The Wildcats converted the turnover with a trick play. Isaiah Daniel delivered a 35-yard touchdown pass to Josh Evans, cutting the Bulldogs’ lead to 24-21 with 40 seconds left in the third quarter.
Jefferson led Bethune-Cookman with 93 rushing yards, including his 63-yard touchdown run. Evans caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Bulldogs answer with late touchdown
Neither team scored during the first part of the fourth quarter. South Carolina State’s defense forced multiple Bethune-Cookman punts, preventing the Wildcats from completing the comeback.
South Carolina State then put together an 85-yard scoring drive. Tyler Smith opened the possession with a 55-yard run to the Bethune-Cookman 30-yard line, and Shaw finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal with 1:50 remaining.
The Bulldogs controlled the game on the ground and finished with a 430-238 advantage in total yards. South Carolina State also held a 282-107 edge in rushing yards.
Joseph Evans led Bethune-Cookman with 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss. Naim Lassiter added nine tackles, including seven solo tackles, while South Carolina State recorded five sacks and Josh Barker led the Bulldogs with 2.5 sacks.
What comes next for Bethune-Cookman
Bethune-Cookman will host Alabama State on October 3, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST. The game will open Southwestern Athletic Conference play for the Wildcats.
The matchup will be Bethune-Cookman’s next opportunity to respond after the loss to South Carolina State. The Wildcats will enter the game at 2-2.
FSB Take
Bethune-Cookman showed resilience after falling behind 24-7, using Brown’s long touchdown run, a defensive turnover and the trick-play connection from Daniel to Evans to make it a one-score game. South Carolina State’s rushing advantage and late 85-yard touchdown drive ultimately ended the comeback bid.
Jefferson led the Wildcats’ offense with 93 rushing yards, while Joseph Evans anchored the defense with 10 tackles. Bethune-Cookman’s focus now shifts to its October 3 home game against Alabama State and the start of SWAC play.
Source: Original report