South Carolina State defensive back Jarod Washington had a day to remember against Howard Saturday afternoon.
Washington, one of several players to move with Chennis Berry from Division II Benedict to Orangeburg last season, returned an interception and a blocked field goal for touchdowns as the Bulldogs defeated the Bison 42-12.
The win keeps SCSU tied with Delaware State for first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; both teams have 3-0 records in league play.
Howard dropped to 4-6 and 1-2 in MEAC play.
South Carolina State (7-3 overall) already led 7-0 after a one-yard scoring plunge by running back Josh Shaw with six minutes gone in the first quarter.
On Howard’s next possession, Washington snatched a Tyriq Starks pass at the Bison 27 and motored in for his first score of the half.
As the second quarter was coming to close, a Matt Conord field goal attempt was rejected by defensive lineman Josh Barker. Washington grabbed the ball out of the air and rumbled 56 yards to the end zone to make the score 28-3 Bulldogs at the half.
Shaw led SCSU’s ground game with 64 carries on 9 attempts while quarterback Billy Atkins connected with Jalen Johnson a 34-yard scoring pass. Jordan Smith added a six-yard rushing TD for the Bulldogs.
Howard’s lone score came in the final minute when reserve quarterback Terrell Russell flicked a 48-yard touchdown pass to Eric Slater.