The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (0-1, 0-0) knew going into this season that they would have to improve on last year’s dismal record of 5-6. That chapter to redemption began on Saturday, September 2nd at 4:00 pm at M.M. Roberts Stadium against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (USM) (1-0, 0-0) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on ESPN Plus. Unfortunately for the Braves the redemption would have to wait a week as they lost their season opener 40-14.
USM scored first in the first quarter at the 12:53 mark when Quarterback Billy Wiles hit Wide Receiver Jakarius Caston for a 16-yard strike and with Kicker Andrew Stein’s extra point attempt the Golden Eagles led 7-0. Southern Miss went on to score 10 more points making the score 17-0 before the Braves put some points on the board at the 3:50 mark when Quarterback Tyler Macon scored on a 75-yard run and with Kicker Noah Kiani’s extra point the score was 17-7 to end the quarter.
Southern Miss dominated the second quarter by scoring 10 unanswered points and going into halftime with a commanding 27-7 lead.
The Golden Eagles did not ease up off of the gas pedal in the third quarter as they yet again shut out the Braves from scoring. USM put up another 10 point quarter to make the score 37-7, USM.
Entering the fourth quarter the Braves got on the board at the 9:08 mark when Running Back Niko Duffy scampered into the end zone on a 15-yard run and with Kiani’s extra point the score was now 37-14. The Golden Eagles were not done scoring on the Braves as Stein kicked a 41-yard field goal through the uprights at the 4:26 mark to make the final score 40-14, Golden Eagles.
Statistical leaders for the Braves were Quarterback Aaron Allen who completed 5 passes for 44 yards, Quarterback Tyler Macon who rushed for 83-yards and 1 touchdown, Wide Receiver Malik Rodgers who had 1 reception for 26-yards and Linebacker Terreance Ellis who had 11 tackles.
The Braves next opponent will be against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (0-1,0-0) in Nacogdoches, Texas in Homer Bryce Stadium on Saturday, September 9th at 6:00 pm.