SAVANNAH, GA – The Erskine College football team (1-5) was defeated by Savannah State University (5-1, 3-0 SIAC) by a score of 39-6 at Theodore A. Wright Stadium on Saturday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Final | Savannah State 39, Erskine 6
Records | Savannah State 5-1, Erskine 1-5
Location | Savannah, Ga. (Theodore A. Wright Stadium)
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Savannah State ran for 369 yards, led by D'Vonn Gibbons (12 carries, 137 yards, 1 TD) who was one of four Tigers with a rushing touchdown.
• Erskine QB Bryce Jeffcoat went 10-for-20 for just 101 yards and a touchdown, but Erskine outgained through the air 101 to 77 as the Tigers attempted just 13 passes all game.
• Erskine WR Senika McKie had game-highs in receptions (7) and receiving yards (87), including the Fleet's lone touchdown.
• The Fleet's defense was led by nine tackles from Jarvis McClurkin and Jamal Barron.

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter:
The Fleet received the ball to open the game but went three-and-out on their opening possession. Savannah State's first drive begin at their own 15-yard line, but the Tigers went on a 14-play drive behind three conversions on third down and scored a touchdown to take an early 6-0 lead following a blocked extra point. After another quick three-and-out for the Fleet, Savannah State picked up right where they left off and began moving the ball into Erskine territory.

Second Quarter:
SSU ran the ball eight straight plays to begin the second quarter, and had the ball on the Fleet two-yard line. But, the Erskine defense stood strong as Marcelous Livingston forced a fumble on the goal line and Jyilek Harrington came up with the ball. The Fleet though, barely moved the ball off their own goal line, and SSU took the ensuing punt back for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a penalty on the return. The Tigers still took back over in the Erskine redzone and scored on their first play to extend their lead to 13-0. The Fleet offense again was stifled on their next drive, and Savannah State went on a 10-play drive that ended with a four-yard passing touchdown in the final seconds to take a 20-0 halftime lead.
 
Third Quarter:
The Tigers added to their lead with a 65-yard rushing touchdown on the first play from scrimmage in the second half to make it a 27-0 game. But, after a stagnant first half from Bryce Jeffcoat and company, the Fleet answered right back behind big plays from Senika McKie. The sophomore wideout had a 46-yard reception on third down and a few plays later, caught a 13-yard touchdown. Erskine went for a two-point conversion, but Savannah State ran it back to get two points of their own, which made it a 29-6 game. The Erskine defense got its first three-and-out on the next drive, and the Fleet looked to have some momentum as Kaavon Parker started Erskine's next drive with a 22-yard run. The Fleet moved the ball into the SSU redzone but a missed field goal kept the Tigers lead at 23. 
 
Fourth Quarter:
Savannah State cashed in on the missed field goal, and scored on another long drive to make it a 36-6 game early in the fourth quarter. Jeffcoat threw an interception on the Fleet's ensuing drive and SSU went on one final long drive that ended in a 17-yard field goal to finish off a 39-6 victory for the Tigers.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Fleet's 2021 fall season continues as Erskine is at home next Saturday, October 16 at 4:00 p.m. when they take on Bluefield State College (3-1) at J.W. Babb Stadium.
 
Follow the Flying Fleet all season long to get schedule updates, scores, highlights, photo galleries, game notes and more at www.erskinesports.com.
 
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