The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (3-2, 3-3) are atop of the Eastern Division once again after their defeat of the Texas Southern University (TSU) Tigers (3-2, 3-3) at their Homecoming on October 15th at Spinks-Casem Stadium. The Braves seemed to play with a re-energized vigor as they gave the Alcorn fans the victory that they so desired.
The Tigers did not make the Brave’s win come easy because at the 10:34 mark in the first quarter TSU got on the score board first when quarterback Averion Hurts hit wide receiver Austin Watts with a 39 yard touchdown strike and with kicker Eric Medina’s extra point the score was 7-0, Texas Southern. Alcorn, not feeling any pressure, scored at the 7:54 mark when wide receiver Norlando Veals caught a 21 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lenorris Footman and with kicker Haiden McCraney’s extra point the score was now tied 7-7. TSU began to put on an offensive clinic at the 5:49 mark when Hurts scored on a 3 yard run and with a Medina point after attempt (PAT) the score was 14-7, Texas Southern to end the quarter.
The Braves went into the second quarter looking to flex their muscles and they did just that when at the 14:10 mark McCraney kicked a 39 yard field goal making the score 14-10, Texas Southern. With 27 seconds left in the second quarter the Braves got on the score board again when Veals caught a 32 yard touchdown pass from Footman and with a successful McCraney PAT the score was now 14-17, Braves.
The only score of the third quarter was provided by the Tigers at the 7:24 mark when Medina kicked a 48 yard field goal tying the score at 17.
The fourth quarter became the make it or break it quarter and both teams realized this. Alcorn scored at the 13:34 mark when running back De’Lance Turner scored on a 2 yard scamper into the end zone but McCraney’s PAT was blocked which made the score 17-23, Braves. The Tigers, in a last ditch effect, scored at the 5:14 mark when Medina kicked a 35 yard field goal but it was too little too late making the final score 20-23, Braves.
Alcorn has a bye week for the week of October 22 but will be back in action on October 29th at Spink-Casem Stadium at 2:00 pm to take on the Southern University Jaguars.