Alabama State football defeated Southern 30-7 in Baton Rouge on Saturday. (Courtesy: Alabama State University, Explor Filmz)

Alabama State University’s defense set the tone with four takeaways and the Hornets rode a big second-half surge to a 30-7 victory over Southern University on Saturday evening at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The Hornets (1-1) forced two fumbles and intercepted two passes, turning those mistakes into 17 points to seize control of the game.

First Half Defensive Battle

Brandon Gilliam provided the only points of the opening half, connecting on field goals of 37 and 21 yards to give Alabama State a 6-0 lead at the break. The Hornet defense stiffened when Southern (1-2) drove deep in the second quarter, blocking a 31-yard Jaguar field goal attempt to preserve the shutout.

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