Taylor, Johnson star in S.C. State spring game

(STATS) - South Carolina State is seeking balance on both sides of the ball, and it had just that as the defense eked out a 16-14 victory in the Garnet & Blue spring football game Saturday at O.C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg.

Running back Justin Taylor, a fifth-year senior, scored both touchdowns for the offense, on a 23-yard run and an 18-yard reception from quarterback Adrian Kollock Jr.

Kollock finished 9 of 15 for 106 yards. Trey Samuel led all rushers with 93 yards on nine carries, while Taylor had 40 yards on six carries.

As the defense won the game for the second straight year, it accumulated its points by stopping offensive drives - one point for any stop and two points for turning the offense away on a three-and-out.

Defensive end Bruce Johnson totaled five tackles, two sacks, and two quarterback hurries.

South Carolina State is coming off a 7-4 season, including 6-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The Bulldogs have won six MEAC titles under 15th-year coach Buddy Pough.

Before conference play, they will open the 2016 season by facing three straight FBS opponents - UCF, Louisiana Tech and Clemson.