MONTGOMERY, Ala.  – Running back Khalid Thomas had a career day rushing, quarterback Quinterris Toppings got a chance to rest early with the Hornets well in front with a big lead and the Alabama State football team pounded Mississippi Valley State 56-24 on Saturday afternoon at ASU Stadium for a conference victory.
 
The Hornets (2-5 overall, 2-4 SWAC) piled on 558 yards of total offense with a strong performance from their offensive line to run away with it and conclude with a season-high for points. 

It was the first time since Sept. 21, 2013 that Alabama State scored at least 50 points in a game when the Hornets defeated Grambling State 52-21 in Montgomery. 

Thomas, a senior and the SWAC's leading rusher, reeled off his third consecutive game with at least 100 yards on the ground and finished with 16 carries for 150 yards and a one-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give the Hornets a lead that they would not relinquish.   

His 48-yard scamper in the second quarter was a career-long run that set up a six-yard touchdown run by Toppings to give ASU a 14-3 advantage.

The Hornets poured it on from there with a 19-yard touchdown catch from Toppings to Willis White and a 13-yard touchdown run by Robert Pritchett to lead comfortably 28-10 at the half. 

"I thought we came out with a lot of energy," said ASU assistant coach Allen Suber.

"They came ready to battle.  That first series is always important to give you some confidence on offense.  We drove the length of the field and made some good strides today with only five penalties for 27 yards.  That's the least amount of infractions that we've had all season so I'm proud of those guys for working hard toward that.  We did turn it over too much and had an interception at the end of the first half.  But, we showed some grit and played Hornet football in the second half." 

The Delta Devils (0-7 overall, 0-5 SWAC) were able to pick off three passes including one in the end zone as the Hornets were driving in the red zone for the final moments before halftime.

Nevertheless, ASU's offense was too much to handle as Alex Anderson had a 17-yard run for a touchdown and was followed by a 48-yard touchdown strike from backup quarterback Jujuan Young-Battle to Marlon Archer. 

ASU lead 42-10 at the end of the third quarter. 

After MVSU cut the lead to 42-24 on a 33-yard touchdown run by Jusupha Foster, the Hornets added two more late scores from Young-Battle on a 41-yard run and another from David Whitlow on a 22-yard dash in the final minute. 

Alabama State will have a week off to rest before heading to Birmingham for the 75^th annual Magic City Classic against Alabama A&M on Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. 

                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#