Pickett-Hicks, South Carolina State defense overpower Virgina State 66-0

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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Mason Pickett-Hicks rushed for 112 yards and caught a touchdown pass, and South Carolina State forced five turnovers to beat Virginia State 66-0 on Saturday.

The Bulldogs (3-0), ranked No. 22 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and last season’s HBCU national champions, led 31-0 at halftime and scored in every quarter.

South Carolina State added three third-quarter touchdowns, including a fumble return by Marquis Lane-Owens. Ricorian Brown scored on a 21-yard run in the fourth before the Bulldogs returned an interception for the final score.

Pickett-Hicks carried 10 times and caught two passes for 31 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown from Ronnie Robinson late in the second quarter. South Carolina State finished with 282 rushing yards and 480 total yards.

Robinson also threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Malik Brightwell. Keely Watson completed 14 of 19 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

South Carolina State intercepted two passes and recovered three Virginia State fumbles.

Virginia State (2-1), a Division-II program, finished with 59 passing yards and 55 rushing yards.

South Carolina State: visits Furman next Saturday.

Virginia State: at Elizabeth City State next Saturday. ___

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