MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — In a game that unfolded with uncanny precision to a pregame projection, Alabama State methodically pulled away from a feisty Texas Southern squad for a 42-24 victory on Saturday at ASU Football Stadium.

The Hornets, now 7-2 on the season, used a balanced offensive attack and a pivotal special teams touchdown to overcome an early deficit and secure the win, which matched the exact final score predicted by the Interstat game simulator. The loss drops Texas Southern to 4-5.

The contest began as a back-and-forth affair. Texas Southern, led by a dominant ground game, struck first. The Tigers engineered a methodical opening drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback KJ Cooper to cornerback Kordell Rodgers, who lined up as a receiver on the play. A subsequent field goal from Christian Avelar, a 50-yard kick, extended the Texas Southern lead to 10-0.

Alabama State answered swiftly. On their first offensive play from scrimmage, quarterback Te’Sean Smoot connected with Jalen Jones on a deep post route, resulting in an 87-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 10-7.

The Tigers responded with another scoring drive, capped by Cooper’s second touchdown pass, a 12-yard strike to Trenton Leary, pushing their lead back to 10 points. The momentum, however, was short-lived. On the ensuing kickoff, Alabama State’s Nehemiah Hixon fielded the ball at the 1-yard line and exploded through the Texas Southern coverage unit for a 99-yard touchdown return, electrifying the home crowd and narrowing the score to 17-14 as the first quarter concluded.

Texas Southern reclaimed control early in the second quarter. Running back Athean Renfro, who was the workhorse for the Tigers all afternoon, finished a strong drive with a 3-yard touchdown plunge, making the score 24-14.

Alabama State then began to assert its will. The Hornets crafted a sustained drive of their own, with running back Marcus Harris II powering in from 13 yards out to bring the score to 24-21. The two teams traded possessions for the remainder of the half, sending the game into the break with the Tigers holding a narrow three-point lead.

The second half belonged entirely to the Hornets. Alabama State received the opening kickoff and marched decisively down the field. The drive was capped by Harris’s second touchdown, a 3-yard run that gave the Hornets their first lead of the day at 28-24.

From that point forward, the Alabama State defense stiffened, repeatedly stalling Texas Southern’s offensive efforts. A critical moment came late in the third quarter when the Tigers, driving deep into Hornet territory, saw a 34-yard field goal attempt sail wide, preserving Alabama State’s four-point advantage.

The Hornets put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. They extended their lead with another Harris touchdown run, his third of the day, from 3 yards out to make it 35-24. The final dagger came with under two minutes to play when Texas Southern, in a desperate attempt to score, had a field goal attempt blocked. Alabama State’s Ta’Shaun Sims scooped up the loose ball and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown, sealing the 42-24 victory.

Statistically, Texas Southern’s Cooper put up a strong fight, completing 25 of 35 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns while adding 37 yards on the ground. Renfro was a force, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. For Alabama State, Smoot was remarkably efficient, completing 9 of 13 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. Jones was his primary deep threat, hauling in three receptions for 148 yards and the 87-yard score. Harris II provided the punch in the red zone with his three touchdowns.

The win keeps Alabama State in the thick of the conference race as they prepare to travel to face Mississippi Valley State next Saturday. Texas Southern will look to rebound on the road against Southern.