DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for 136 yards, Keely Watson threw for 146 yards and two scores, and South Carolina State defeated Bethune-Cookman 31-21 on Saturday night.

Watson was 14-of-19 passing for the Bulldogs (5-0, 2-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), ranked 16th in the Stats Perform poll, and Pickett-Hicks had his third 100-plus yard rushing game.

Josh Shaw added 54 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the ground, opening the scoring on a 4-yard plunge on S.C. State's first drive.

Tyler Jefferson broke free for a 63-yard scoring run three plays later to even things up, but the Bulldogs responded with an 18-yard touchdown catch by Troy Hillman, a 32-yard grab by Darius Thompson, and a 34-yard field goal from Jett Jackson to end the half up 24-7.

Bethune-Cookman (2-2) rallied back with two straight scoring drives in the third quarter, but were held to -1 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter as S.C. State held on for the win.

Rashon Brown and Josh Evans each had touchdowns for Bethune-Cookman.

S.C. State has outscored its opponents 235-51 through five games.

Up next

South Carolina State: host The Citadel next Saturday.

Bethune-Cookman: host Alabama State next Saturday to open their SWAC schedule.

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