College Football

Alcorn State holds on to beat Alabama State 21-18

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

LORMAN, Miss. (AP) Michael Brooks Jr. blocked a field goal with 18 seconds remaining to preserve the lead as Alcorn State beat Alabama State 21-18 in a Southwest Athletic Conference opener for both teams on Saturday.

Brooks blocked the Alabama State field goal attempt in the final seconds after Quinterris Toppings brought the Hornets (0-2, 0-1) to within three points with a touchdown pass and a two-point conversion toss with 5:59 to play. Three plays into Alcorn State's next possession, Marquis Warford fumbled and Alabama State recovered, setting up the field goal attempt to cap the Hornets' final drive.

Warford ran for 87 yards for the Braves (1-0, 1-0) including a 13-yard score late in the first quarter. Noah Johnson erased Alabama State's 10-7 halftime lead with a 17-yard touchdown to put the Braves on top 14-10 with 2:49 left in the third quarter.

Toppings finished with 69 yards passing and 60 yards rushing for the Hornets.