Lorman, Miss. - Alcorn State showed grit and determination against a powerful SEC opponent on Saturday night, but Mississippi State's early scoring surge proved too much to overcome in a 63-0 result at Davis Wade Stadium before 49,158 fans.
The Braves (0-3) kept their poise and controlled the clock for more than 43 minutes, methodically working through long possessions and wearing down the Bulldog defense. Quarterback
Jaylon Tolbert directed the offense with composure, completing 11 of 18 passes for 80 yards and connecting often with
Omarion Blakes, who led all Alcorn receivers with three catches for 31 yards.
Jacorian Sewell added three receptions for 18 yards while rushing eight times for 21 yards to pace the ground game. Running backs Tylon Citizen and
Reggie Davis chipped in 19 and 10 rushing yards, respectively, and Davis added a 16-yard kickoff return.
Neico Sandifer provided a spark on special teams with two kick returns for 33 yards.
Alcorn's defense refused to quit despite facing one of the nation's most explosive offenses. Linebacker TB Hinton and defensive back
Elijah Ruffin each recorded five tackles, while
Brent Barnes,
Ricardo Butler, and
Eric Thomas Jr. added four apiece. Defensive back
Bakari McCall gave the Braves a highlight moment in the second quarter, stepping in front of a pass for an interception and a 14-yard return to halt a Bulldog drive. Clinton McKinney and
Stemarion Edwards each contributed tackles for loss, and the defense forced two Mississippi State fumbles.
The Bulldogs (3-0) showcased their depth and speed, opening the game with a 75-yard touchdown pass and adding three more scores before the first quarter ended. Mississippi State finished with 514 total yards, including 282 on the ground. Fluff Bothwell led their rushing attack with 93 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Blake Shapen threw for 173 yards and two scores and added a rushing touchdown.
While the scoreboard favored the home team, the Braves demonstrated staying power. Alcorn out-possessed Mississippi State 43:07 to 16:53, sustained multiple double-digit play drives, and converted three third downs against an aggressive SEC defense. The Braves' offensive line limited the Bulldogs to just one sack and created running lanes for a balanced backfield.
Head coach
Cedric Thomas squad now turns its focus to the next challenge, encouraged by the fight and resilience shown in Starkville. With the experience gained against a nationally ranked opponent, the Braves look to carry that resolve into the remainder of non-conference play and the upcoming SWAC schedule.
The Braves get a much-deserved bye-week before a trip to Memphis to play conference foe Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Southern Heritage Classic.
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