Alabama State forces four turnovers to beat Southern 30-7

Alabama State football defeated Southern 30-7 in Baton Rouge on Saturday. (Courtesy: Alabama State University, Explor Filmz)

Alabama State University’s defense set the tone with four takeaways and the Hornets rode a big second-half surge to a 30-7 victory over Southern University on Saturday evening at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The Hornets (1-1) forced two fumbles and intercepted two passes, turning those mistakes into 17 points to seize control of the game.

First Half Defensive Battle

Brandon Gilliam provided the only points of the opening half, connecting on field goals of 37 and 21 yards to give Alabama State a 6-0 lead at the break. The Hornet defense stiffened when Southern (1-2) drove deep in the second quarter, blocking a 31-yard Jaguar field goal attempt to preserve the shutout.

Hornets Explode After the Break

Southern briefly took a 7-6 lead early in the third quarter on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Cam McCoy to Cam Jefferson. The Hornets answered immediately as Marcus Harris II ripped off a 47-yard touchdown run to reclaim the lead. Gilliam added a 31-yard field goal following a fumble recovery, and quarterback Andrew Body extended the margin with a 6-yard scoring strike to Ajai Harrell.

After Zaquan Patterson’s interception set up another short field in the fourth quarter, Body connected with Dylan Djete on a 22-yard touchdown pass to seal the win.

By the Numbers

• Body finished 16-of-25 passing for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
• Harrell led all receivers with five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown.
• Harris added 67 all-purpose yards, including his 47-yard rushing score.
• The Hornets outgained Southern 369-339 in total offense and controlled the turnover margin 4-1.

Defensively, Corey Lucius and Rhoody Jean-Louis each tallied seven tackles, while Jalil Lenore and Patrick Smith Jr. forced key fumbles. Patterson and Keane Lewis notched interceptions.

Up Next
Alabama State returns home next Saturday to host Miles College at 4:05 p.m. at ASU Stadium.

(Courtesy: Alabama State University)