A&M scores but falls to Alabama State in the 72nd Magic City Classic

Box Score

Birmingham- Bulldog football scored seven points but was unable to convert on any other plays falling to Alabama State 31-7 in the 72^nd annual Magic City Classic.

In the first back-to-back win in the Anthony Jones era for State, the Hornets pulled together 14 points in the second quarter and 17 in the fourth to earn their first back-to-back win in the Reggie Barlow era.

The Bulldogs were able to keep the high potent offense out of the endzone in the first quarter but the second quarter proved difficult as A&M was unable to convert for a first down until their third series of the game.

From there A&M managed four first downs in the first half, 65 offensive yards and two passes completed. While State scored 14 points, secured 276 yards with 167 of those passing and 109 rushing.

With 63,113 in attendance, the largest crowd A&M has played in front of in 2013, the Bulldogs were unable to score even getting as close as the Hornets 24 yard line before the end of their possession on downs.

The second half proved better for the Maroon & White but it also was better for Alabama State as both teams were coming off a bye week.

The Hornets use their time of possession of 12:18 seconds to increase their lead by 17 points in the fourth quarter.

A&M did managed to enter the red zone in the second half multiple times but a Jaymason Lee fumble after 10 plays saw 85 yards chewed up, stopped one of the most promising drives in the game at the Hornets one yard line.

The fourth quarter was similar to the first three except the Bulldogs were able to score when Brandon Wells found Montaurius Smith for a 13 yard score to finally put AAMU on the board. On the very next drive ASU's Bobby Wenzig found the uprights on a 28 yard field goal. State added another score to the board when Jaymason Lee was sacked for a loss of 12 yards and a Rashad Anderson punt out of bounds saw Alabama State take over at the A&M 32 yard line. They went on to score six points on a Rodney Cross 2 yard strike that increase their lead 31-7 for the eventual victory.

State grabbed their 38^th win in the Magic City Classic with a 31-7 win over A&M matching their total points from the 2012 season contest.

Senior Theron Rice blocked his third kick of the season and finished with a pair of stops. Brandon Eldemire rushed the ball 10 times for 58 yards while Barrington Scott finished with 19 rushes for 63 yards.

Terrance Pride punt return for a TD was called back on a blocking in the back penalty that would have put A&M within striking distance of the Hornets.

Starting quarterback Brandon Wells went three for 10 for 27 yards while Jaymson Lee finished 10 for 22 for 153 yards with his longest of 43 yards.

Rashad Anderson punted the ball eight times for 265 yards averaging 33.1 a punt with his longest being 48 and two landing inside the 20 yard line.

Smith led the Bulldogs with four catches for 58 yards and the lone touchdown.

A&M will try to break this three game losing streak when they travel to Alcorn State, Mississippi in their next contest on Saturday, November 2, at 4 p.m..

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