Hornets Stay Hot, Extend SWAC Win Streak to 2–0
Alabama State University celebrated its homecoming in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon, powering past Bethune-Cookman 52–35 in front of a spirited ASU Stadium crowd.
Quarterback Andrew Body led a balanced offensive attack, throwing for 171 yards and two touchdowns as the Hornets (4–1, 2–0 SWAC) remained unbeaten in conference play. Running back Jahbari Kuykendall added 106 rushing yards and a 48-yard touchdown burst, helping ASU build an early lead they never relinquished.
“We wanted to set the tone early and play fast football — and the guys executed perfectly,” said ASU head coach Eddie Robinson, Jr.
Wild Start for the Wildcats
Bethune-Cookman (2–4, 1–1 SWAC) struck first in dramatic fashion. On the game’s opening play, Cam’Ron Ransom connected with Maleek Huggins on an 85-yard touchdown pass that silenced the ASU homecoming crowd.
But Alabama State quickly responded — and then some.
Body led a nine-play, 79-yard drive capped with a 13-yard touchdown to Derick Harden, evening the score at 7–7. After a 40-yard field goal from Andrew Abu-Akel, the Hornets took control with rushing scores from Jamarie Hostzclaw and Karl Ligon, surging ahead 24–7 by the second quarter.
McClain Sparks Bethune-Cookman Offense
The Wildcats found life behind transfer quarterback Timmy McClain, who entered midway through the second quarter. McClain led a 10-play, 88-yard scoring drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown to Huggins — his second of the day — trimming the deficit to 24–14.
However, Alabama State answered immediately. Body’s 30-yard touchdown strike to Jalen Jones made it 31–14 at halftime, and the Hornets continued to roll after the break.
Hornets’ Depth on Display
In the third quarter, Ligon punched in another short touchdown before Kuykendall broke loose for his 48-yard scoring run. The Hornets eventually stretched their lead to 45–14, their largest of the day.
Bethune-Cookman battled back late as McClain found the end zone twice on quarterback sneaks and added a 20-yard touchdown strike to Javon Ross. The Wildcats closed the gap to 52–35 but couldn’t overcome ASU’s early surge.
“Timmy really gave us a boost,” said B-CU head coach Raymond Woodie Jr “He made some great reads and kept us competitive until the end.”
Game Leaders
Alabama State (4–1, 2–0 SWAC)
QB Andrew Body: 11/16, 171 YDS, 2 TD
RB Jahbari Kuykendall: 8 CAR, 106 YDS, 1 TD
RB Karl Ligon: 2 RUSH TD
DEF: Ta’Shaun Sims & Drake Johnson – 8 tackles each
Bethune-Cookman (2–4, 1–1 SWAC)
QB Timmy McClain: 24/34, 266 YDS, 2 TD, 2 RUSH TD
RB Alihaja Scott Jr.: 15 CAR, 100 YDS
WR Javon Ross: 9 REC, 137 YDS, 1 TD
WR Maleek Huggins: 7 REC, 132 YDS, 2 TD
DEF: Antwone Watts – 10 tackles
What's Next
Bethune-Cookman returns to action on Saturday, October 11, hosting Southern University in Daytona Beach at 3 p.m.
Alabama State will look to continue its strong start when it travels to JAckson Mississppi for its next SWAC matchup on October 11 vs Jackson State University.
