South Carolina State dismantles Savannah State in 87-point shutout

Keely Watson threw three touchdown passes and Josh Shaw ran for three scores as defending HBCU national champion South Carolina State defeated Savannah State 87-0 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

The Bulldogs, who are ranked No. 24 in the FCS, rushed for 423 yards and seven touchdowns on 46 carries in setting a school record for points scored. It was the largest FCS win by any school since Idaho State defeated Lincoln (California) 90-0 during the 2025 season.

Watson completed 8 of 12 passes for 95 yards, while Shaw carried nine times for 74 yards.

The quarterback opened the scoring with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Malaqhi Jones and later connected with Mason Pickett-Hicks from 9 yards out. Ronnie Robinson added a 30-yard touchdown run as South Carolina State took a 21-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs added 31 points in the second quarter for a 52-0 halftime advantage. Watson threw his third touchdown to Tyler Smith before Zaivan Offord took over and added a touchdown of his own.

Shaw scored on runs of 5, 4 and 10 yards. Pickett-Hicks rushed for 95 yards on nine carries, and Ricorian Brown added 75 yards on seven attempts.

Thomas Howard, who previously worked on South Carolina State's staff, was making his debut as head coach for the Division II Tigers.

Savannah State finished with 75 rushing yards and 42 passing yards. Christian Burks completed 5 of 14 passes for 34 yards with an interception.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.