Wilberforce, Ohio - In convincing fashion, the Kentucky State Thorobreds defeated the Marauders of Central State, 41-24, today; improving to 3-4 overall (2-3 SIAC).

The 'Breds opened with a touchdown just eight seconds into the game as Jerrel Noland connected with Jamaree Gordon on a 40-yard pass (PAT missed).

Central threatened to score on their first possession of the game, driving the ball 55 yards on 8 plays, but KSU's Cory Spalding intercepted Jeffrey Brooks' pass in the end zone and returned it to the 15 yard-line. The Thorobreds were unable to get into Central territory on their next drive and were forced to punt.

The Marauders started their second drive with 7:33 to play in the first quarter and on 8 plays drove 47 yards, but were left to settle for a field goal (6-3 KSU). The 'Breds started their possession with great field position after a 55-yard kickoff return by Gordon. With 1:11 to play in the first quarter, Noland scrambled on 4th and 6 and completed a 41-yard pass to Raphael Amey for another KSU touchdown (PAT good, 13-3 KSU).

CSU scored again with 11:16 to play in the 2nd quarter, bringing the score to 13-10 in favor of KSU. The Thorobreds answered, eating up 6:59 on 12 plays, 76 yards, scoring on a 6-yard rush by Anthony Boykins (PAT good, 20-10 KSU). The score remained 20-10 going into halftime.

The Marauders received the ball to start the second and after gaining 32 yards, found themselves at 4th and 13 to go. On the punt attempt, CSU's long-snapper tossed the ball over punter DeRon Gaines' head. Gaines wisely threw the ball away, but KSU took over on downs at their own 31 yard-line with 11:24 in the third quarter. In 10 plays, the Thorobreds drove 69 yards and scored on a 13-yard pass from Noland to Daniel Barnes (PAT good, 27-10 KSU).

Both teams scored 14 points in the fourth quarter; but the 'Breds came away with the win, 41-24.

KSU was paced by the Noland-Gordon duo. Noland completed 14-of-23 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns and had four rushes for 45 yards. Gordon was on the receiving end of six of those passes for 142 yards and one touchdown, while returning one kickoff for 40 yards (183 all-purpose yards). Martez James had 6 kickoffs for 326 yards, averaging 54.3 yards per kick.

Defensively, Deandre Mosley led the 'Breds with six tackles, including one sack for a loss of seven yards and one breakup. Keith Massey followed with five solo tackles and one breakup, while Cory Spalding pitched in four solo tackles and one interception for 15 yards.

Next up for KSU (3-4, 2-3 SIAC) is a homecoming battle against conference foe Clark Atlanta (3-3, 3-2 SIAC). The game is set for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16 at KSU's Alumni Stadium. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $40 for reserved seating.

For more information about KSU's 2010 Homecoming festivities, Visit Kentucky State University's Website.