MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Backup quarterback Te'Sean Smoot and special teams performance lifted Alabama State University to a 42–24 victory over Texas Southern on Saturday afternoon at ASU Stadium.

Smoot, making the most of his opportunity under center, was electric from the opening drive. On Alabama State's first offensive play, the redshirt sophomore connected with Jalen Jones for an 87-yard touchdown, setting the tone for a high-powered Hornet offense that scored in all four quarters. Smoot finished 9-of-13 passing for 215 yards and a touchdown, guiding an efficient attack that averaged 9.5 yards per play.

After Texas Southern briefly took a 10–7 lead, Nehemiah Hixon swung momentum back to the Hornets with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown, giving Alabama State a lead it would never relinquish. The kickoff return was the first for ASU since A.J. Gates 82-yard return against North Carolina Central in the Orange Blossom Classic to open the 2024 season.

Running back Marcus Harris II handled the rest, punching in three rushing touchdowns — one in each of the final three quarters — including a pair in the second half that helped Alabama State pull away. The Hornets' offense was opportunistic despite limited possession time, scoring touchdowns on all three of their red-zone trips.

Special teams proved decisive again late in the fourth quarter. With Texas Southern attempting to close the gap, Ta'Shaun Sims broke through the line to block a 35-yard field goal attempt and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown, sealing the 42–24 win to the delight of the 17,625 fans in attendance.

Defensively, Alabama State made key stops despite Texas Southern's 472 yards of total offense. After yielding 311 yards and 24 point in the first half, the Hornets limited TSU to 162 yards and no scores in the the second half.

Deontre Morris, Keane Lewis, and Jalil Lenore each recorded nine or more tackles, while Patrick Smith Jr. and Jaylan Jarrett combined for two sacks to halt potential scoring drives.

Jones led all receivers with 148 yards on three catches, including the 87-yard score. Harris averaged 5.2 yards per carry and accounted for 21 of the Hornets' 118 rushing yards.

Texas Southern (4–5, 3–3 SWAC) was paced by Athean Renfro's 145 rushing yards and a touchdown, but the Tigers were shut out in the second half after leading 24–21 at halftime.

Alabama State now turns its focus to the SWAC race, remaining firmly in contention for the East Division crown as it heads into the final stretch of the regular season.