MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- After a 55-minute weather delay, the Alabama State University football team had their chance in the final seconds to come away with a win, however, it was the Kennesaw State University defense who came up with the big play at the end to come away with a 20-14 victory at ASU Stadium late Saturday night.
Alabama State (0-3), who trailed most of the game, started a drive from their own nine yard line with just 4:46 remaining in the contest and down six. The Hornets moved the ball down the field, converting on two third down and one fourth down conversion to move down to the Kennesaw State 28-yard line. After a sack and an incomplete pass, redshirt freshman Kobie Jones found freshman George Golden on an eight yard screen pass on third and long. The ensuing play, Kennesaw State's Anthony Gore recorded a sack to preserve the Owls' victory.
"We just didn't get it done," Alabama State University head coach Brian Jenkins said. "I am proud because our guys played to the end. Defensively, we made some strong stands and they did a wonderful job. If you look at it, it was an even ball game all the way to the end. Defensively, we held them to their lowest output of the year thus far – they came in averaging nearly 500 yards. We didn't take advantage of opportunities and we turned the ball over a couple of times. They were able to capitalize off of our mistakes."
Alabama State tied the contest up early in the second quarter when Golden caught a pass from Jones, made a couple of defenders miss and raced to the end zone for his first career touchdown with 10:56 to play before half. The reception was just the second of his career, and he finished with five receptions for 54 yards. He also finished the night with a career-high 56 yards on 10 carries to lead the Hornets.
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"He did a great job," Jenkins said. "He still has some things he can do better, but he is electrifying. He is still growing, he is still a young kid, Hopefully he can get better with some other guys."
The Hornets struck again with just 39 seconds to play in the third quarter to trim the lead to six when Darius King picked up a Kennesaw State fumble and raced 20 yards, untouched, for the touchdown – the first of his career.
King was part of a defense that held Kennesaw State to just 310 yards of total offense, 165 yards less than their average, on the night. Dennis Roberts IV led the Hornets defensively and Dominique Jackson with seven tackles on the night, while Darron Johnson and Ishmael Aurismond added six. The team finished the night with one sack and eight tackles for loss, while forcing three turnovers.
"They did a great job, they gave us a chance," Jenkins said. "They forced three big turnovers and slowed this offense down. This offense is a potent offense, they slowed them down and gave is a chance. Offensively we just didn't take advantage of it."
Jones finished the night 20-for-37 for 159 yards and three interceptions. Willis White finished the night with four receptions (28 yards) and Jamir Hannah had three for 21 yards – including a catch on the sidelines that kept the last drive alive.
"At the end of the day, I still think we are right there and we are about to turn the corner," Jenkins said. "You can't let go of the rope and I am very optimistic. We are going to stay encouraged and keep driving."
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