ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — South Carolina State scored 21 points in the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 42-12 victory over Howard in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football game Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The Bulldogs (7-3, 5-1 MEAC) dominated from the outset, capitalizing on Howard mistakes and a stifling defensive performance to secure the win. The Bison (4-6, 2-4) struggled offensively throughout the contest, managing just a field goal through three quarters before adding a late touchdown and safety.

South Carolina State set the tone on its opening drive, marching 60 yards in 11 plays, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Josh Shaw. The Bulldogs’ defense then provided the next score just over three minutes later when defensive back Jarod Washington intercepted a pass from Howard quarterback Tyriq Starks and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown.

The first-quarter onslaught continued as quarterback William Atkins IV engineered another scoring drive, finishing it with a short pass to Jordan Smith for a touchdown with 1:45 remaining in the period, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 21-0 lead.

Howard managed to get on the board in the second quarter with a 38-yard field goal from Matt Conord, but the Bison squandered a prime opportunity just before halftime. After driving to the South Carolina State 23-yard line, a blocked field goal attempt was returned by Washington for an apparent touchdown, though the play was recorded as a 0-yard return in the statistics, preserving the 21-3 halftime score.

The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter with two more touchdowns. Atkins connected with Jalen Johnson on a 34-yard scoring strike, and Smith added a 6-yard rushing touchdown to push the advantage to 35-3.

Howard’s offense finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter. After a safety made the score 42-5, backup quarterback Terrell Russell entered the game and connected with Eric Slater on a 48-yard touchdown pass to account for the final margin.

Atkins, a Parkton, Md., native, led the Bulldogs efficiently, completing 15 of 23 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown. Johnson was his top target, hauling in six receptions for 87 yards and a score. The Bulldogs’ ground game was balanced, with Shaw rushing for 64 yards and a touchdown.

For Howard, the quarterback play was a persistent issue. Starter Tyriq Starks of Carol City, Fla., completed just 7 of 22 passes for 97 yards with two interceptions and was sacked multiple times. Russell provided a brief spark, completing 2 of 3 passes for 49 yards and a touchdown while adding 7 rushing yards.

The Bulldogs’ defense was relentless, consistently pressuring Howard’s quarterbacks and limiting the Bison to just 97 passing yards. Washington’s interception return for a touchdown was the defining play of the game.

Punting was a bright spot for Howard as Liam Allen IV of Lake Mary, Fla., averaged 41.8 yards on eight kicks. South Carolina State’s Elliott Janish of Midwest City, Okla., averaged 34.4 yards on five punts.

The victory keeps South Carolina State in contention for the MEAC title as they prepare for a short-week road game at North Carolina Central next Friday. Howard will look to regroup on the road at Delaware State next Saturday.

The final score of 54 total points fell under the betting over/under line of 49.5. South Carolina State covered the pregame spread after being installed as a 15.5-point favorite. The result was largely in line with projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 41-26 Bulldogs victory and whose ELO system gave South Carolina State an 88.2 percent probability to win.