South Carolina State earned its second straight trip to the Cricket Celebration Bowl after defeating Delaware State, 28-17, Saturday. SCSU coach Chennis Berry is 10-0 against MEAC opponents since taking over the program two years ago.

The Hornets rushed for over 400 yards, with three players going over the 100-yard mark: Marquis Gillis, 159 yards and a TD; Kaiden Bennett, 131 yards; and James Jones, 121 yards and a TD. But penalties and turnovers proved costly.

The Bulldogs now await the winner of the SWAC Championship Game next Saturday between Jackson State and Prairie View A&M. The Celebration Bowl is Dec. 13, noon, on ABC.

Five HBCU Division II teams were in playoff action Saturday. Two came away winners.

Albany State rallied from nine points down in the third quarter to defeat Valdosta State 35-30. Quarterback Isaiah Knowles had a monster game: 24 of 37 for 264 yards, two touchdowns and one interception; and 92 yards on the ground and another TD. Running back Tiant Wyche rushed for 134 yards and one TD.

And in a game for the ages, Benedict overcame a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to knock off Wingate, 25-24, on the last play of the game. Benedict and Albany State will meet for the third time this season.

Johnson C. Smith, Virginia Union and Kentucky State all lost.