Gaffney's Malcolm Long threw for two TDs in S.C. State's win over Grambling. Gaffney's Malcolm Long wasn't on the field for the conclusion of South Carolina State's game with Grambling State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Sunday at the Citrus Bowl.

But he sure made an impact when he was.

Before leaving the field with cramps during the first series of the third quarter, Long completed 13 of his 20 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

"It was the worst case of cramps I've had," Long said. "It was the first game of the season and I couldn't finish it."

Redshirt freshman Derrick Wiley replaced Long at quarterback as the Bulldogs hung on for a 34-31 victory over Grambling State.

The win vaulted the Bulldogs to the top spot in this week's Sheridan Broadcasting Black College poll.

"It's a real good feeling," said Long, who was named one of the team's four co-captains by head coach Buddy Pough. "We had some bad seasons. My freshman year, we were only 7- 4."

Last year, the Bulldogs finished 10-3, won the conference and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by defending national champion Appalachian State.

This year, Long said he only has one goal.

"I just want to help the team win and go out every week to improve," he said.

Long and the Bulldogs open conference play this Saturday against Bethune-Cookman.