MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State football delivered a commanding performance in its home opener on Saturday evening, defeating in-state foe Miles College 37-9 in front of 18,101 fans at ASU Stadium.

Quarterback Andrew Body put on a near-perfect showing, completing 14-of-16 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with three different receivers. Jalen Jones was his favorite target, hauling in four receptions for 118 yards and two scores, including a 61-yard strike early in the second quarter that electrified the home crowd. Ajai Harrell added a 40-yard touchdown catch, while Dylan Djete capped the first-half scoring with a 15-yard grab.

The Hornets set the tone quickly. Brandon Gilliam opened the scoring with a 45-yard field goal, followed by Body's 35-yard touchdown to Jones for a 10-0 first-quarter lead. After Miles trimmed the margin with a 47-yard field goal, Alabama State rattled off three straight touchdowns in the second quarter to take full control, leading 31-3 at halftime.

Miles managed its lone touchdown in the third quarter, a 2-yard run from Roderick Thomas, but the Hornets' defense stood firm the rest of the way. ASU's defensive unit piled up 10 tackles for loss and two sacks, with Keane Lewis and Jalil Lenore leading the team with eight stops apiece. Tre Phillips added a highlight with a blocked extra point.

Special teams added insurance in the fourth quarter as Andrew Abu-Akel drilled field goals from 25 and 46 yards to round out the scoring.

Offensively, Alabama State out gained Miles 407-238 despite running 25 fewer plays, averaging 8.7 yards per snap. The Hornets' balanced attack featured 130 rushing yards to complement Body's precision passing.

With the win, Alabama State improves to 2-1 on the season, while Miles falls to 0-3. The Hornets will now turn their attention to SWAC play against Florida A&M on Sept. 27 in Tallahassee, Fla.