Delaware State is embracing the “love of the grind” as the Hornets prepare to host South Carolina State on Saturday in the de facto MEAC championship game.
Delaware State (4-0 MEAC) enters championship week after a hard-fought win, 26-13 over Howard, a program that had frustrated the Hornets in recent years. Jackson’s team forced three turnovers, including a pick-six, and regained its offensive rhythm in what he admitted could have been a “trap game.”
“Every game from here on out is going to be a trap game,” head coach DeSean Jackson said during Monday’s MEAC media session. “We can never fall into those traps. Each team we play, we’re going to get their best shot.”
Jackson, in his first season leading the program, said the Hornets embraced the enormity of the moment in a season that began with low external expectations. Delaware State was picked last in the MEAC preseason poll but now stands 60 minutes from its first conference championship in nearly two decades.
“We set ourselves up in a great position to be where we’re at,” Jackson said. “It’s definitely deserving of the work we’ve put in and what we’ve been able to accomplish in a short span of time. This one’s for all the marbles.”
The Hornets have built success behind a defense that Jackson said is “playing championship football” and an offense that has shown balance in recent weeks.
An 86-yard rushing performance by Marquis Gillis (now over 1,000 for the season) and more than 200 team rushing yards against Howard, Jackson noted, showed the unit is still producing even when opponents attempt to limit its ground attack.
“Whatever we need to do to win a football game, that’s what we’ll do,” Jackson said. “We’re going to be very balanced, and we’ll throw challenges at South Carolina State.”
Jackson repeatedly credited his players’ resilience, saying their transformation began in January when he delivered his first message: fall in love with the grind.
“They needed upbringing, they needed love, they needed support,” Jackson said. “These young men bought in because they trust that what we’re telling them isn’t for our benefit — it’s for theirs. They’re willing to run through a brick wall for us.”
He also praised his coaching staff for guiding a roster that lost six fourth-quarter leads last season but has matured into a confident, detail-oriented unit.
“I put great people around me,” Jackson said. “It’s God’s work at the end of the day. I could’ve never predicted being here.”
Saturday’s matchup carries emotional significance for the Hornets, who will also celebrate Senior Day.
“We get another opportunity to go be legendary at home,” Jackson said. “We respect the game, we respect our opponent, but it’s always about ourselves. If we take care of our responsibilities, we’ll be ready.”
Delaware State will host South Carolina State in the MEAC championship game Saturday at Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.