BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - After a tough loss to Morehouse College last Saturday, the Thorobreds looked to bounce back against Miles College tonight. In a highly defensive game for both teams, Miles prevailed with a 13-12 victory over Kentucky State. With the loss, KSU drops to 2-3 (2-3 SIAC), while Miles improves to 2-3 (2-2 SIAC).

The first quarter was stagnant, with each team going three-and-out on each of their first three possessions. On a drive that began with 4:52 to play in the first quarter, KSU drove 76 yards on the back of Shannon Frieson, who had a 69-yard touchdown run (PAT missed).

The remainder of the first half remained slow, as the 'Breds and Bears battled to find an offensive rhythm. At the end of the second quarter, both teams had just four first downs.

Miles received the ball to start the third quarter, but much like the first half, went three-and-out and was forced to punt. KSU's first possession showed signs of momentum, gaining a first down on a 12-yard completion from Jerrel Noland to Jamaree Gordon. As the Thorobreds tried to push out from near their own end zone, Frieson was dropped for a 17-yard loss by MC's Reginald Virges. After a 38-yard punt by Chris Spalding the Bears began their second drive of the half with good field position - at the KSU 42.

In just four plays, the Bears scored with 8:01 to play in the third quarter (PAT missed), tying the game at six. The 'Breds' next possession started with a 32-yard gain by Andrew Ramsey to the KSU 35, but KSU was unable to move the ball after that and was forced to punt. On the Bears' first play from scrimmage after the KSU punt, Carlton Hill's pass was intercepted by Thorobred Grandson Brown for the KSU touchdown. KSU went for the two-point conversion, but Noland was stopped short on the quarterback rush, leaving the score at 12-6 (KSU).

The fourth quarter was filled with huge defensive stops by each team. With 7:06 to play in the game, Miles began their drive from their own 15 yard-line. In four plays, the Bears moved the ball 22 yards. On their fifth play, at 2-and-10, Jordan Lewis rushed for a 63-yard touchdown (PAT good), and the Bears went up 13-12 with 4:40 to play in the game.

KSU moved the ball out to their own 44 but on fourth-and-five, Noland's pass was intercepted by MC's LaDarryl Bell. KSU's defense held their ground, though, forcing another MC punt. KSU took over at their own 17 with just 00:27 to play in the game, but after four incomplete passes by Noland, time ran out on the Thorobreds, and the game ended with a 12-13 loss.

KSU's Derrick Addai had his best game of the season, racking up 14 tackles (5 solo), including two sacks for loss of 15 yards and 3.5 total tackles for loss of 18 yards. Addai topped off his stellar night with one (1) forced fumble.

Noland completed 13-of-32 passes for 131 yards and had 2 interceptions. Frieson had a game-high 99 yards rushing on 13 carries, while Gordon snatched five passes for 48 yards, followed by Julian Brown with four catches for 45 yards.

KSU travels to Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, October 2 for the first of two non-conference games. Kickoff is 7 p.m.