The SWAC groups performed a sport filled with psychological errors and premature penalties.

“These are the kind of video games that we’ve to learn to win, and we’re nonetheless studying tips on how to be a very good group,” Alabama State’s head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. talked about in his presser. “I feel this could give us that confidence that we have been in shut video games. You bought to win a few of these shut video games.” Particularly within the SWAC.

Over 6,700 followers at PNC Stadium witnessed an offensive snoozer within the first half. The TSU offense mustered 7 factors on a 7-play, 75-yard drive within the first quarter.  

The Hornets trailed 7-3 at halftime however outplayed the Tigers with extra first-half offensive performs (33 to 23), yardage (112 to 108), first downs (10 to five), and time of possession (20 min. to 10 min.).

TSU offensive coordinator Marsh and quarterback Andrew Physique have been hardly in sync, and the offense wanted to be in rhythm within the second half.

Coach McKinney shared, “I felt like we have been out of sync. I imply, we transformed on one-of-7 third downs. So we have been fairly good. We have been round for 40% changing on third downs, and one in all seven shouldn’t be excellent. And so once we can convert on third downs and hold the adjustments transferring, we’re fairly laborious to cease offensively. However sadly, tonight, we solely saved the ball for 20 minutes of a 60-minute sport. And so you bought to have the ability to convert these third downs to maintain the ball and provides your self a chance to place factors on the board.”

The Hornets inched nearer to 7-6 when PK Eichner booted a 31-yard area aim after an 8-play, 62-yard march within the third quarter. TSU responded when Andrew Physique completed a 7-play, 49-yard drive with a landing run of 5 yards to extend its lead 13-6. PK Garcia’s missed additional level may come again to chew the Tigers, and it did.

Nonetheless, because the fourth quarter approached, you possibly can sense the nervousness with the Tigers and felt the sport slipping from their grasp because the Hornets’ floor sport took management.

ASU’s Eichner nailed a 42-yarder when the Hornets churned out a 13-play, 69-yard fourth-quarter possession that took 6:24 seconds off of the clock.

Texas Southern’s subsequent drive was disheartening as operating again LaDarius Owens fumbled when Brandon Gaddy pressured the turnover and gave Alabama State prime place on the 39-yard line late within the sport.

The Hornets melted 2:37 from the clock in 7 performs when operating again Ja’Gained Howell pressured his approach into the endzone on a 2-yard dashing play. ASU would take the lead 16-13 with 7:21 remaining within the contest.

Andrew Physique and TSU had sufficient time to mount a comeback, however it was for naught. A questionable 4th and 19 try on the ASU 42-yard line had Tigers followers scratching their heads in disbelief.  

TSU may have punted to pin the Hornets deep and trusted his protection to get a cease. As a substitute, McKinney pushed all of the chips into the pile and misplaced. Andrew Physique was flushed out of the pocket from a blitzer and tackled wanting the primary down by 13 yards.

“We all know physique we all know what kind of quarterback he’s, we knew that he can rating quick and nonetheless had three timeouts. So typically the most effective protection is an effective offense [in] we operating the soccer. As soon as we obtained the lead, we mentioned let’s take the air out of the tires on the bus, and let’s attempt to gradual the factor down. Just a few terrific runs happening the stretch by Howell that actually saved within the sport,” Robinson recounted.

The match was chippy, brutal, and ugly at occasions. Eddie Robinson famous powerful wins aren’t unhealthy as they’re performed. “There is not any such factor as an unsightly win…So we’re by no means going to apologize for profitable. So it is a wonderful win. All wins are stunning.”

Alabama State has homecoming festivities and can host Jackson State Saturday in Montgomery, Alabama. Texas Southern travels for a SWAC West showdown in opposition to Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Each video games will happen on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 PM CT.

Key Gamers and Stats

TSU

• QB Andrew Physique: 9/19 passing makes an attempt, 95 yards, 1 INT, 78.8 QBR; 1 dashing TD
• WR Derek Morton: 2 rec, 36 yards
• RB LaDarius Owens: 13 rushes, 58 yards
• RB Jacorey Howard: 6 rushes, 44 yards, 1 TD

ASU

• QB Dematrius Davis: 9/19 passing makes an attempt, 104 yards, 93.3 QBR; 9 rushes, 46 yards 
• RB Ja’Gained Howell: 16 rushes, 79 yards, 1 TD; 2 rec, 14 yards
• RB Santo Dunn: 15 rushes, 101 yards
• WR Kisean Johnson: 2 rec, 57 yards