ASU defeats Southern 30-7 in fiery second half

BATON ROUGE, La. (WSFA) - After almost upsetting UAB in their season opener last week, Alabama State traveled to Baton Rouge Saturday looking for a win.

The Hornets rallied in the second half, shooting ahead of the Southern University Jaguars and maintaining a steady lead to even out their season 1-1.

First Half

ASU took an early 3-0 lead at the end of an uneventful first quarter with a field goal after both teams had struggled to score.

Neither team made it into the endzone in the second quarter, as both defensive lines held the other’s offense back.

After getting into the Jaguars’ redzone on a first down, ASU tried to run the ball in but was stopped on the 14-yard-line. With 4 seconds left in the first half, ASU opted for another filed goal to widen their slim lead, (6-0).

Second Half

Things finally began to move in the third quarter as Southern inched their way toward ASU’s redzone in their opening drive of the second half. A 7-yard pass from Southern’s Cam’Ron McCoy to Jefferson Cam into the endzone put Southern on the board for 6-7 after a successful field goal.

ASU answered almost immediately, regaining their lead with a 47-yard rush by Marcus Harris II, (13-7).

ASU found their stride in the second half and would not let up on the offense for the rest of the game.

After a third field goal by ASU put them ahead 16-7, they turned the ball over the Southern where it stayed for only two plays before it was back in their hands.

ASU’s Smith Jr. Patrick recovered a fumble by Southern’s Cam’Ron McCoy putting ASU back on the offense.

Another successful drive put ASU in the endzone again, widening their lead 23-7.

ASU would not allow Southern to score again.

After a strong opening drive in the fourth quarter, ASU shut down Southern’s offense a second time when Malachi Jackson intercepted a pass by McCoy which stopped Southern from gaining any yardage.

Despite three penalties, ASU pushed through Southern’s defense one final time for another score putting them even further ahead 30-7.

Southern’s final drive ended on ASU 3-yard line where an incomplete pass to Barry Remo ended the game with a final score of 30-7.

ASU now heads forward into the season 1-1 as they prepare to host Miles College in their home opener on Sept. 13.

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