---
title: "Citadel stuns No. 15 SC State 34-31 on final kick"
url: https://www.hereirmo.com/2026/10/05/citadel-beats-sc-state-34-31/
date: 2026-10-05T12:16:43-04:00
modified: 2026-10-05T12:16:48-04:00
author: "Johnny Ryan"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Irmo"
attribution: "HERE Irmo"
---

# Citadel stuns No. 15 SC State 34-31 on final kick

*Source: [HERE Irmo](https://www.hereirmo.com/2026/10/05/citadel-beats-sc-state-34-31/) — October 5, 2026 by Johnny Ryan*

The Citadel beat No. 15 South Carolina State 34-31 on Saturday in Orangeburg when Evan Kiely kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Gavin Garcia rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns for The Citadel, which improved to 2-3. Quentin Hayes threw for two scores, including a 55-yard touchdown to Damir Abdullah that helped build a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter.

South Carolina State, ranked No. 15 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, fell to 5-1 after erasing a 14-point deficit. Keely Watson completed 20 of 31 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Shaw’s 6-yard run tied the game at 31 with 8:16 left before The Citadel’s final drive set up Kiely’s winner.

The Citadel next hosts East Tennessee State. South Carolina State visits Charleston Southern next Saturday.