Pittman’s Pocket: Who punched their ticket to the Celebration Bowl for the MEAC Championship?

MEAC Championship: Delaware State vs. South Carolina State

The stage was set for a heavyweight MEAC showdown as Delaware State and South Carolina State collided with everything on the line. Both programs entered the championship riding impressive multi-game win streaks, surging at the right time and proving they belong on the conference’s biggest stage.

But today, momentum met reality. One team’s streak snapped, sending them home empty-handed. The other rose to the occasion, securing the conference crown and punching their ticket to the Celebration Bowl. With physical defenses, explosive playmakers, and championship urgency on both sidelines, this showdown delivered a classic MEAC finish.

South Carolina State Bulldogs defeated Delaware State Hornets 28 – 17  to win the Cricket Celebration Bowl berth.

Key stats & turning points

• SC State QB William Atkins IV completed 14 of 24 passes for 249 yards and 2 TDs.
• The Hornets racked up 526 total yards vs. SC State’s 406.
• However, Delaware State turned the ball over 4 times (including a 33-yard interception return for a score by SC State’s Jalen Levin) and that swing proved decisive.
• Running game highlight for DSU: Marquis Gillis tallied 159 rushing yards and a TD.
• SC State kept scoring steadily each quarter (7,7,7,7) while DSU never fully closed the gap.

Outcome in context

The Bulldogs’ ability to make the big play at the right time—particularly the pick-six and limiting damage when DSU threatened—gave them the margin they needed. Despite Delaware State’s dominant ground numbers and yardage, the turnover margin and key explosive plays tilted the contest.