MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Mason Pickett-Hicks rushed for 210 yards and two touchdowns to lead South Carolina State past Florida A&M 31-13 on Sunday in the Orange Blossom Classic.
Two plays after the game resumed following a lightning delay in the first quarter, Pickett-Hicks went untouched through the line and raced for a 58-yard touchdown. Pickett-Hicks added a 32-yard touchdown early in the third for a 28-6 lead.
SC State outgained FAMU 479-161, including 292 yards on the ground.
Pickett-Hicks, who carried it just 17 times for a 12.4 average, recorded SC State’s first 200-yard rushing game since Jawarn Howell’s 283 against Howard in 2023.
Keely Watson was 10-of-17 passing for 168 yards with two interceptions for SC State (2-0), which is ranked No. 21 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll.
Isaiah Knowles and Dustin Fletcher combined to complete 13 of 30 passes for 162 yards for Florida A&M (1-1).
Up next
SC State: Returns home to play Virginia State next Saturday.
FAMU: Plays at No. 7 Miami on Thursday.
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