ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The Thomas Howard era at Savannah State University got off to a difficult start Saturday evening as the Tigers opened the 2026 season with an 87-0 road loss to South Carolina State at Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium at Willie Jeffries Field.
The contest served as the season opener for both teams.
The matchup featured head coaches with ties to their respective opponents. Howard spent the 2019-20 season at South Carolina State as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, while Bulldogs head coach Chennis Berry was an All-SIAC offensive tackle at Savannah State in 1994.
In front of a crowd of 12,000, South Carolina State jumped out to a 21-0 lead after the opening quarter and carried a 52-0 advantage into halftime. The Bulldogs added two touchdowns in the third quarter before scoring three more times in the fourth.
Savannah State finished the night with 117 yards of total offense, including 75 yards on the ground and 42 through the air. Despite the offensive struggles, the Tigers' offensive line did not allow a sack.
Christian Burks earned the start at quarterback and completed 5-of-14 passes for 34 yards with one interception. Fabian Walker finished 2-of-4 passing for eight yards.
Walker also led Savannah State's rushing attack with 16 yards, while Isaiah Davis added 13 yards and Rodney Hill finished with 12.
Elijah Stephens led the Tigers' receiving corps with two catches for 18 yards, including a 14-yard reception in the third quarter.
On special teams, Jahziah Avilez returned two kickoffs for 38 yards, while Trenton Rhodes totaled 139 yards on eight kickoff returns, including a 30-yard return in the second quarter.
Punter Chase Butler was called upon eight times and recorded a long of 46 yards.
Defensively, Cameron Leonard led Savannah State with a game-high seven tackles and added a pass breakup. Antonio Vazquez finished with five t
Savannah State (0-1) will have a week off before returning to action for its home and SIAC opener against Albany State (0-1) on Sept. 12. Kickoff at Theodore A. Wright Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of Savannah State University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @SavStateTigers on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Formerly Known As Twitter), or visit the official online home of SSU Athletics at
http://ssuathletics.com.
