ASU Hornets pull away late for easy victory over MVSU

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- It didn't take long to figure out Alabama State had more talent than Mississippi Valley State, but it took a little longer before the Hornets' superiority started showing up on the scoreboard.

Alabama State quarterback Quinteris Toppings (12) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Mississippi Valley State Davon Jones (22) attempts to stop himduring the game between Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 13, 2014, at The New Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Ala.

The Hornets shook off a second-quarter slump with a pair of quick touchdowns late in the first half and weathered a brief Delta Devil rally early in the fourth quarter with two more scores to win 47-22 on Saturday night at ASU Stadium in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Malcolm Cyrus set the tone on the first play of the game with a 49-yard run into Mississippi Valley territory and the Hornets overcame a costly penalty four plays later with a 19-yard lob from Daniel Duhart to DeMario Bell for a quick 7-0 lead.

But the Hornets struggled over the next 25 minutes with missed opportunities on offense, failing to put away a team that was clearly overmatched in experience and depth.

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