Sept. 1, 2007
Final Stats
The Reggie Barlow era at Alabama State started with a bang Saturday night, as the Hornets rallied for an wild 24-19 win over Jacksonville State in front of a raucous crowd of 17, 316 fans.
"Our guys were warriors out there tonight," an emotional Barlow said. "They wouldn't quit. They made mistakes, but they quit coming back. I am so proud of them."
The game started as most expected as the Hornets' offense sputtered and the ASU defense starred. The first four possessions gained a total of 37 yards, while the defense forced two punts and three field goal attempts.
"They kept us close," Barlow said. "They wouldn't let us get too far behind."
Barlow switched quarterbacks in hopes of getting his offense going and it work. Chris Mitchell completed 4 of his first 5 passes and led ASU to a vital touchdown with only 1:32 remaining in the first half, reducing the deficit to 13-6.
"That was strong," Barlow said. "We had to have that."
Mitchell didn't cool off in the after halftime. With ASU then trailing, 16-6, he connected on his first three passes, including a 61-yard touchdown to Antonio James.
The Hornets took their first lead of the game Rahmod Traylor - in for Jay Peck, suffering from leg cramps - burst of the left side for a 66-yard touchdown. However, ASU missed its third consecutive PAT attempt, leaving ASU with a precarious 18-16 cushion.
The Gamecocks struck right back after a long kickoff return gave them prime starting position. Kicker Gavin Halford booted a 42-yard field goal, and JSU went back up 19-18.
Mitchell, unfazed by the score, situation or crowd, jogged on to the field with 6:27 to go. He promptly missed badly on a short throw, but that would be his only indiscretion. Mitchell drilled a 22-yard completion to Fred Ragsdale. He then floated a pass to Steve Briggs for 21 yards. His 19 yard throw to Marcus McCall put the ball on the JSU 15.
Peck, back into the game, slashed through the Gamecocks defense for a beautiful 15 yard touchdown. ASU went for two, but didn't make it and the lead sat at 24-19.
Another good JSU return put them in business at the ASU 47. However, the Hornet defense would shut the door.
The Gamecocks picked up two first downs, and were sitting at the ASU 20, 1st and 10. However, after two netted no yards, JSU's last two passes fell incomplete and the celebration was on.
Barlow, already soaking wet from sweat, was doused with a water cooler and every coach ran over to join in the fun.
"This is just great," Barlow said. "We came together, and fought through this together. Our guys deserved to win tonight."
