MONTGOMERY, ALA.  – The Alabama State football team ran into the high-octane offense of Prairie View A&M and was outplayed in a 38-13 SWAC defeat on a crisp, sunny Saturday afternoon at the new ASU Stadium.

The Hornets (5-5, 5-4 SWAC) had their SWAC championship aspirations dashed in the process as the loss mathematically eliminated them from contention.

Alcorn State (6-3, 5-2 SWAC), who defeated Texas Southern on Saturday, will represent the SWAC East's Division for the title in Houston on Dec. 5. 

"We didn't come out flat," said Alabama State head football coach Brian Jenkins.

"They just played a good game.  Let's stop making excuses.  Let's not do that.  Prairie View is a good football team and they played a better football game than us.  We were prepared for the game and they outplayed us.  Point blank.  They're a well-coached football team and [Prairie View head coach] Willie [Simmons] is doing an exceptional job."     
The high-powered offense of the Panthers (7-2, 7-1 SWAC) entered Saturday averaging 44.4 points per game, having scored at least 40 points in seven straight games and at least 50 points in three of them. 

While it didn't crack 40 points on Saturday, Prairie View moved the ball freely and gained 534 total yards of offense to extend their winning streak to six straight.

Panthers' quarterback Trey Green completed 16-of-27 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 62 yards on the ground while Johnta Hebert rushed 18 times for 101 yards and a score and KhaDarel Hodge led Prairie View receivers with four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. 

Conversely, ASU quarterback Daniel Duhart completed 13-of-29 passes for 204 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. 

It was an uncommon sight as it marked just the first time this season that Duhart had been picked. 

While the teams were tied at seven through the opening quarter, the second quarter was where Prairie View was able to gain separation by outscoring ASU 17-0 in the quarter.

But, it was not without a commendable effort by the ASU defense. 

The Hornets stiffened their defense with the Panthers on their own 2-yard line when linebacker Kourtney Berry and free safety Trey Jenkins combined for a tackle and a two-yard loss. 

Instead of grabbing seven, the Panthers settled for a field goal to take a 10-7 lead. 

It was a small consolation after it went on a 17-play drive that accounted for 7:20 off the clock. 

On the following series, the Hornets' special teams unit had their punt blocked, setting up a golden opportunity for the Panthers at the ASU 9-yard line. 

Once again, the ASU defense stepped up for the stop, forcing a Prairie View field goal attempt that sailed left to keep the Panthers from padding their lead. 

Alabama State's defense nearly came up with a third consecutive stand when Green fumbled on the 1-yard line later in the quarter.   
 
However, referees ruled that Green's knee had come down before the ball came loose. 

On a fourth and 1, Prairie View converted when backup quarterback De'Auntre Smiley plunged forward with just enough for the score to make it 24-7 heading into halftime. 

"We knew from watching film that they [Prairie View] do a lot of different things," Duhart said. 

"It was more on us.  I had a couple of passes that I wish that I could have back.  We didn't execute the way that we needed to do." 

Prairie View took a 10-point advantage with 7:18 remaining in the first half after ASU had a quick three-and out—punt. 

Courtney Brown capped a seven-play, 49-yard drive with a seven-yard touchdown after breaking initial contact from ASU's free safety Kurron Ramsey. 

The first quarter had opportunities to ASU as well. 

With ASU driving into Prairie View territory, cornerback Dominique Weaver jumped the route to come down with the interception.

The Panthers turned that into quick points, scoring on the very next play on a 59-yard touchdown pass from Green to Hodge.

ASU had a rapid response however when a solid kickoff return by Shawan Parks got ASU up to their own 42-yard line. 

Two plays later, Duhart found Joshua Davis on a slant play, who showed a nice burst of speed in opening up for a 58-yard touchdown strike. 

Davis finished with a team-best three receptions for 67 yards. 

Next, Alabama State will host Miles College, who will stay in Montgomery for consecutive weeks after playing for the SIAC Championship at Cramton Bowl against Albany State. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

#GOHORNETS#