It was Homecoming in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the Southern University Jaguars (2-3, 1-1) and the parties were in full gear until the Braves from Alcorn State University (4-1, 3-0) came to town. This game had all the hype of two first place divisional leaders battling for Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) dominance and it didn’t disappoint.
After a tough played first half Alcorn State took a slim lead into the half leading 3-0 behind the foot of Junior Kicker Corey McCullough. The first half featured a variety of defensive stands from both teams as a total of seven punts and two turnovers resulted in the first half alone between the two squads.
The second half featured much of the same as both defenses continued to play well. Despite Alcorn’s ability to score on their opening drive in the second half, the Jaguars’ defense was very stingy. On the Braves’ opening drive in the third quarter, Quarterback Noah Johnson displayed his dual threat skills as he scrambled for a 20-yard run followed by a 36-yard run that ultimately lead to an Alcorn State touchdown with a 3-yard run by Junior De’shawn Waller which made the score 10-0. The Jaguars would answer back with their only points of the game coming on a 28-yard field goal by Kicker Martel Fontenot making the score 10-3.
The Braves’ defense would continue to shine late into the matchup as they forced a pair of turnovers in the second half. Braves’ Defensive Back Qwynnterrio Cole recorded his first interception of the year and returned it for a 36-yard touchdown to extend the Braves’ lead 17-3. Brady Smith and Sterling Shippy of Alcorn teamed up to force and recover a fumble that further demoralized the confused Southern offense.
McCullough added a 22 yard field goal for the Braves at the 8:17 mark to make the final score 20-3.
Alcorn State was lead by Johnson who racked up 138 yards on 13 of 22 passing. He also tallied a team high 81 rushing yards on 11 carries. Solomon Muhammad, who ended with five total tackles, anchored the Braves’ defense.
Alcorn State, which will be celebrating its Homecoming, will be in action again on Saturday, October 6th at 2:00 pm as they host the Alabama State University Hornets (1-3, 0-1) at Spinks-Casem Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi.