---
title: "SC State Opens MEAC Title Defense vs. Norfolk State"
url: https://www.hererockhill.com/2026/10/24/sc-state-norfolk-state-homecoming-meac-opener/
date: 2026-10-24T09:24:46-04:00
modified: 2026-10-24T09:24:46-04:00
author: "HERE City State Desk"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Rock Hill"
attribution: "HERE Rock Hill"
---

# SC State Opens MEAC Title Defense vs. Norfolk State

> ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State begins its bid for a third MEAC championship in a row on Saturday, and it does so in front of a Homecoming crowd. The Bulldogs host Norfolk State at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. The numbers favor the hosts. South Carolina State is 5-2

*Source: [HERE Rock Hill](https://www.hererockhill.com/2026/10/24/sc-state-norfolk-state-homecoming-meac-opener/) — October 24, 2026 by HERE City State Desk*

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State begins its bid for a third MEAC championship in a row on Saturday, and it does so in front of a Homecoming crowd. The Bulldogs host Norfolk State at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m.

The numbers favor the hosts. South Carolina State is 5-2 and puts up 43.6 points and 461.1 yards per game, while its defense gives up just 241.6 yards a game and has piled up 22 sacks.

Norfolk State arrives at 4-3 with an offense that can hurt opponents on the ground and through the air. The Spartans average 35.3 points and 415.6 yards, with 214 yards a game coming on the ground and 201.6 through the air. Their defense allows 292.6 yards per game and has 17 sacks.

Fans heading to campus should plan ahead. The university is asking visitors to get there at least two hours before kickoff, and everyone coming onto campus Saturday, including parade watchers, tailgaters and riders in vehicles, needs a game ticket. Current students get in with a valid university ID.

On-campus parking is sold out. Extra general parking across Russell Street from Gate 2 costs $50 per vehicle on a first-come basis, and all buses must use the Russell Street lot. Game tickets can also be bought at Gate 2, at Russell and Pinckney streets.

The Homecoming parade will bring congestion and road closures around Magnolia and Geathers streets from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and starting at 8 a.m., Gate 3 will not take incoming traffic until the parade is over. A clear bag policy is in effect across campus.