S.C. State football: Pough remains optimistic, despite loss

South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough learned two things about his football team in last weekend's 17-0 loss to Central Florida.

First, the Bulldogs are going to be a pretty good defensive team. Second, his new spread offense is going to need some time to mature.

That maturation process will continue tonight when the Bulldogs host Benedict College beginning at 6 p.m. in their home opener at Dawson Stadium.

On a rain-soaked field and in front of partisan crowd of more than 42,000 in Orlando last Saturday night, the Bulldogs gave up 318 yards to Central Florida and just two touchdowns, both of which were set up after Bulldogs turnovers.

"Defensively, I was very pleased with what we were able to do against Central Florida," Pough said. "They've got a pretty good offensive football team, and we hung in there with them for most of the game. We got a little tired in the fourth quarter and their depth just kind of took over.

"There's still a lot of work to do, but when it's all said and done, I think we're going to be a pretty good defensive football team."

Offensively, the Bulldogs struggled to mount much of an attack. The Knights limited the Bulldogs to just 126 yards of total offense. QB Malcolm Long, who was making his first start in the Bulldogs' new spread offense, was frustrated all night, completing just 11 of 21 passes for 74 yards and an interception.

"The weather conditions had something to do with it, but Central Florida has 10 starters back on defense from last season," Pough said. "They played well, and we didn't execute like we're capable of. The offensive line is going to need some work. Malcolm didn't have a whole lot of time to set his feet and throw the ball."

Running back Will Ford, who gained more than 1,300 yards a season ago, was also held in check, rushing for just 36 yards on 12 attempts.

"The offense is going to be a work in progress," Pough said. "It's going to take a little time for everyone to get on the same page."

In the last three meetings, Benedict has been little more than a speed bump for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have won the last three games with the Tigers, all played at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, by an average of 43 points, including a 51-0 drubbing in 2004.

Benedict opened the season with a 7-3 victory over Morehouse last weekend.

"Benedict is a much improved team from last season," Pough said. "This might be their best defensive team, so we expect a much tougher test this time around."

The Tigers have also started to employ a "flexbone" option offense attack.

"I'm not exactly sure what they call it, but it's like the Georgia Southern flexbone or wingbone," Pough said. "They run it very well. The key to beating any option offense is to be disciplined and know your assignments. They like to run a lot of misdirection stuff. We've got to be prepared."