ORANGEBURG - On the heels of a 2011 season that wasn’t satisfying to them for more reasons than just a 7-4 finish--6-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (for a 2nd place tie with Florida A&M) - the South Carolina State Bulldogs are entering the 2012 football season with one thought in mind.

That mindset apparently motivating the 2012 Bulldog players relates to what they say is a need to "take care of some unfinished business."

Asheton Jordan, entering his senior season and second campaign as the starting tailback for Buddy Pough’s 11th S.C. State grid team went straight to the point as to the primary thing that have he and mates so focused.

"We just need to get back the championship that we didn’t win last season," said the Summerville (S.C.) native, who was the Bulldogs top rusher in the 2011 season with 774 yards on 139 carries. "It’s as simple as that.

"Since being back at practice, the talk has been about what we need to do to get better and win our fourth MEAC championship in five years. We know it won’t be easy for us but as a senior; and one who really wants to lead (the younger players), I’m looking forward to doing all I can to help get us back to the top in our conference. That’s all I can think about (as we look toward our first game)."

Added sophomore running mate Jalen Simmons," We made a lot of mistakes in the games we lost last year; especially the two in the conference. But we’re not going to let what happened last season keep us down. What happened then is (really) what’s motivating us now. We want it back (bad); and we’re out to prove to everybody that we’re still a team that can win it all."

Putting emphasis on the thoughts of Jordan and Simmons, Richard Cue zeroed in on playing with more intensity and togetherness.

"We lost some key players from last year’s team," said redshirt junior Cue, the projected starting signal caller for SCSU. "But we still have enough good players with us now; along with some promising young players who can help get us back to the top. The keys for us are to play with a lot more intensity and togetherness on both sides of the ball. If we take care of our own business, we have a chance to be the best in the conference again."

Cue, who became the starting quarterback in game six last year, after starter Derrick Wiley went down with an injury, closed out the campaign with a 5-1 mark. He ended the season with 900 yards passing on 80 of 147 attempts and was credited with tossing seven touchdowns.

Focusing in on leadership by example by experienced players, as Asheton Jordan did, Darius Drummond said he likes the Bulldogs chances to go out and prove themselves as champions.

"The thing that has me ready to go is all the positive talk I hear from my teammates. We have some unfinished business to take care of; and I, as one of the leaders on this team, am ready to help get us back to where we’re used to being at the end of the season," said the Bulldogs junior defensive back and kick, punt return specialist. "Winning another championship is the big thing; and we want this one more than ever."

Assessing his team chances of returning to the top of the MEAC, Buddy Pough said it’s all about playing with confidence and taking it one game at a time.

"Some say we’ve spoiled our fans (with the championships we won recently). The thing is, we’ve spoiled ourselves," said the South Carolina State football coach. "Now we have to get back to being a team that plays with some swagger and toughness. These are things that are very necessary if we’re to get back to being number one in our conference again.

"At the start, it’s very important for us to come together (as a team); find our identity. I feel we’re always going to be competitive year in and year out. The big thing is for us to go out and execute our game plan with confidence. If we can minimize mistakes, avoid major injuries and play hard as a team in all phases of the game, we have a really good chance to have another special season. That’s certainly what we’re hoping to have."