ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Freshman Nathan Wilson nailed an 18-yard field goal on Delaware State’s overtime possession to give the Hornets a thrilling 27-24 victory over defending MEAC champion South Carolina State Saturday afternoon.

The Hornets won at Dawson Bulldog Stadium for the first time since 2007 to improve to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the MEAC. The Bulldogs dropped their second straight game to fall to 3-6 and 1-2.

South Carolina State had the first overtime possession, but an attempted pass by Tyrece Nick on the first play was intercepted by Delaware State cornerback Charles Peeler.

After four consecutive running plays advanced the Hornets to the S.C. State 1-yard line, coach Rod Milstead turned to Wilson, who split the uprights after a perfect snap from Nester Conforti and hold by Matt Noll.

The win also kept the Hornets’ hopes alive for their first winning season since 2012. Delaware State also moved into sole possession of third place in the MEAC standings, trailing only North Carolina Central (3-1) and Howard (2-1).

The Hornets’ MEAC losses this season are to N.C. Central and Howard.
Delaware State led 24-17 following its third touchdown of the game on a one-yard touchdown grab by tight end Myles Morales on a “pop pass” after a direct snap to running back Wade Inge.

South Carolina State tied the game at 24-24 on a touchdown pass in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

The Hornets scored first on a two-yard touchdown run by Thomas Bertrand-Hudson and opened up a 24-14 lead on a 25-yard scoring run by Marquis Gillis (Milford). Gillis has rushed for a touchdown in four of the last five games, and has a team-high six this season.

Extra points

The field goal was Wilson is six-for-eight on field-goal attempts this season ... The win was also DSU’s first against S.C. State since 2017 to snap a five-game losing streak to the Bulldogs. ... The Hornets will close out the season with home games against MEAC rival Morgan State (Nov. 12) and Campbell of the Big South Conference (Nov. 19). Each game is at 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.