You have to give it to Buddy Pough and the South Carolina State Bulldogs. For years, Pough had taken the Bulldogs to the precipice of conference dominance, only to be turned away. But in 2008, the Bulldogs blew away expectations, are one game away from conference perfection, and have a legitimate chance at success in the FCS playoff picture.
Ranked 17th in the Football Championship Series Coaches Poll, the Bulldogs were the pre-season MEAC championship favorite. There were more Bulldogs on the preseason all-conference team than any other program, and Bulldog running back Will Ford was the conference’s player of the year.
The Bulldogs responded to the expectations by leading the conference in total offense and sacks, and hovering around second or third place in a number of other statisitcal categories.
The Bulldogs two losses on the season? Against FBS competition in the University of South Florida and in-state rival Clemson. The outcomes were predictable against both programs, but these out-of-conference games gave the Bulldogs a decided advantage in their MEAC competition.
An advantage that could suit them well in the playoffs.
Hampton and FAMU can tell you what its like to play without expectations, and Delaware State and Norfolk State can tell you what’s its like to play with them. But only South Carolina State can tell you what its like to ignore them.
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