MOBILE, Ala. | Alabama State University football rolled to a 41-3 win over Mississippi Valley State University in the Port City Classic on Saturday at Ladd Peebles Stadium.
 
The Hornets claimed their fourth straight win to improve to 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the SWAC. Mississippi Valley State fell to 1-9 overall and 0-6 in conference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 
Alabama State held a 13-0 lead at halftime on touchdown runs of nine yards in the first quarter and 31 yards in the second quarter by Jamarie Hostzclaw.
 
The Hornets scored 28 points in the third quarter, 21 off three MVSU turnovers to build the led to 41-3.
 
Te'Sean Smoot tossed a a 29-yard touchdown pass to Ajai Harrell on the opening possession of the third quarter to make the score 20-0.
 
A Jalil Lenore interception set up a Karl Ligon seven-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 27-0.
 
Ta'Shawn Sims intercepted a pass to put ASU back in business in MVSU territory. Marcus Harris scored on a 12-yard run to make the turnover payoff and a 34-0 ASU lead.
 
Tyree Saunders picked up a fumbled punt snapped and raced to the end zone from 35-yards out to cap the third quarter scoring with ASU leading 41-0.
 
MVUS kicked a 26-yard field goal to help MVSU avoid the shutout with under one minute left in the fourth quarter.
 
GAME NOTES

• The Alabama State defense has yielded 10 points over its last six quarters of play and 17 over the last eight quarters.
• The Hornets improved to 3-0 in the Port City Classic and 12-2 in Classics under Head Coach Eddie Robinson Jr.
• Alabama State has won eight games for the first time since 2018.
• The MVSU field goal in the fourth quarter ended the Hornets bid for their first shutout since 2019,
• Harris' third quarter touchdown gives him 14 total touchdowns, 13 rushing and one receiving, moving him into a tie for fourth on the single season touchdowns list. Harris is tied with Johnny Pleasant who had 14 in 1966.

 
UP NEXT
Alabama State hosts the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff at ASU Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22 at noon