ASU falls on the road to Samford

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HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WSFA) - The Alabama State Hornets were in Homewood on Saturday night for a matchup against the Samford Bulldogs. The Hornets were looking to improve to 2-1 on the season. However, the Bulldogs had other plans for their home opener and took down ASU 12-7.

The Hornets got the scoring going in the first quarter after both teams exchanged punts to get things going. The touchdown came when Marcus Harris III broke free for a 17-yard rushing touchdown.

Late in the second quarter was the next time either team would find success on offense, and this time, it was Samford. Quincy Clifford connected with Iaan Cousins for a five-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked, so Bama State was up by one.

The Hornets were threatening to score again late in the half, but the drive fell short on the Samford 32-yard line, and the field goal unit took the field. However, Brandon Gilliam was unable to connect on the 49-yard attempt, and the Hornets led 7-6 at the half.

The Samford defense forced a quick three-and-out at the start of the half, and the offense capitalized when they took the field. The Bulldog offense marched 54 yards downfield, and on third and goal, Damonta Witherspoon punched it in from the one-yard line to give Samford their first lead of the night. They failed to convert on the two-point conversion, so it was a Bulldog five-point lead.

Bama State had a chance to take the lead late, but the Samford defense would have none of that and handed ASU their second loss of the season.

ASU will have next weekend off as they prepare for a road matchup against Bethune Cookman on September 28. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Dayton Stadium in Daytona Beach, FL.

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