DJ Maultsby's TD catch proves to be difference in South Carolina State's 20-17 win against Furman

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- — DJ Maultsby caught four passes for 118 yards and a touchdown as South Carolina State held off Furman 20-17 on Saturday in the first meeting between the programs since 2015. The Bulldogs (4-0), ranked No. 18 in the Stats Perform poll and the defending HBCU national champions, remain unbeaten despite allowing their most points in a game this season. Keely Watson connected with Maultsby for a 65-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, and Josh Shaw added a 9-yard touchdown run to give South Carolina State a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Furman (2-2) cut the deficit to 17-9 on three Nathan Chapman field goals before Jett Jackson made a 28-yarder with 3:03 remaining to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to 20-9. Connor Ackerley, who replaced the injured Jake Garcia in the third quarter, answered with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Luke Shields. Ackerley connected with Daniel Haughton for the two-point conversion to pull Furman within three with 2:47 left. Watson threw for 186 yards and a touchdown. Shaw rushed for 55 yards and a score as South Carolina State held Furman to 53 rushing yards. Ackerley threw for 164 yards and a touchdown, and Shields finished with seven catches for 133 yards. Up next South Carolina State: at Bethune-Cookman next Saturday. Furman: at Richmond next Saturday. ------ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here. Visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here.