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

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GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — 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.

South Carolina State: at Bethune-Cookman next Saturday.

Furman: at Richmond next Saturday.

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