FRANKFORT, Ky. – After a rough first game against Virginia Union University, the Thorobreds looked to redeem themselves in their game against Alabama A&M University. Both teams suffered a first-game loss to start the season (Alabama’s first game being against the Auburn Tigers), and both teams strived to do better and win their second game of this Football season.
As the game went underway, Alabama managed to score a touchdown five minutes into the game from Xavier Lankford, giving the early lead to Alabama. Kentucky State they failed to secure a first down. Not even a minute into their turn, Alabama’s Duke Miller managed to secure another touchdown for the team, giving them a 14 -0 lead. To close out the first quarter for the Thorobreds: they managed to secure a couple of first downs, but around the 35-yard line they fumbled the ball, giving Alabama control of the ball again. The first quarter ended with the Bulldogs near the 10-yard line with the score being 14-0.
With the second quarter starting, Alabama’s Jacolby Hewitt managed to secure another touchdown five seconds out of the gate. Unfortunately, when it was their turn to play, KSU got a delay of game penalty. However, after an offsides penalty, KSU managed to get a first down near the 50-yard line. Alabama would then get another offsides penalty that would give KSU an assist, however they got a penalty themselves and despite Kale Anderson almost securing a touchdown, the Thorobreds were forced to punt. Both teams then had a back-and-forth play period where no points were scored but near the two-minute warning, Alabama’s Barry White managed to get a touchdown for the Bulldogs.
With the first half ending of the game, the score was Alabama A&M, 28, and Kentucky State University, 0. With the second half underway, Alabama pushed their way down the field, letting Ryan Morrow get his touchdown of the day. With KSU’s turn being next, the team unfortunately failed to be able to get down to the opposing team’s side, which forced them to punt. Alabama did receive a penalty during the punt that would give Kentucky State somewhat of an advantage, however, Duke Miller managed to get his second touchdown of the day, increasing Alabama’s lead. Kentucky State would manage to get a couple of first downs during their turn, but again no points were scored, causing the Thorobreds to punt and ending the third quarter with Alabama in the lead, 42-0.
With the last quarter underway, Alabama would score their last touchdown of the day, with Kolton Nero being the one to score. Kale Anderson was able to secure first down, putting the Thorobreds near the 25-yard line on Alabama’s side. Anderson was able to get the ball within the goal area of the field. Jaden Hale had an amazing catch, managing to get his first touchdown of the season, which put Kentucky State on the board for this game. This would be the last score of the night, as the game would end with Alabama 49 and KSU 7.
Kentucky State football has had its fair share of wins against Division I opponents in recent history: against Robert Morris and Jackson State in 2019.
With back-to-back losses the hopes of a conference championship are still in sight, as the last two games were non-conference.
