FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State held off Benedict in a thrilling 23-21 victory on Saturday, with quarterback Denim Johnson throwing for 169 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72-yard strike to Kale Anderson, while the defense sealed the win with three sacks and a key interception by Lawrence McConnell.
 
On offense, quarterback Denim Johnson completed 12-of-19 passes for a total of 169 and two touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 172.6. As a unit the Thorobreds led the contest with 201 rushing yards with Josiah Saleem leading the way with 46-yards followed by his teammates Johnson who rushed for 43 and 35 from Cedric Ward. 
 
The Kentucky State defense led the afternoon with 3 sacks for a total of 23 yards with McConnell, Tray Blackmon Jr. and Monte Davis all recording a sack each. McConnell led the Thorobreds with five solo and four assisted tackles 
 
In the Thorobreds opening drive Denim Johnson completed a 30-yard pass to Cameron Tucker putting Kentucky State on the Benedict 21-yard line. Following an incomplete pass Johnson found Jaden Hale in the endzone on a 10-yard pass. The Thorobreds were stopped on their two-point conversion and took an early 6-0 lead at 9:34 in the first quarter. 
 
At 3:14 in the first quarter Lawrence McConnell intercepted a pass from Benedict's Charles Simmons to put the Thorobreds on their own 35. 
 
On the opening play of the Kentucky State drive Johnson connected with Kale Anderson for a 72-yard receiving touchdown giving the Thorobreds a 13-0 lead with 13:28 remaining in the second quarter. 
 
Benedict's Charles Simmons scored on a five yard quarterback to close on the 13-7 Kentucky State lead at 10:03 in the second quarter. 
 
Near the bottom of the second quarter (3:25) Benedict added seven points on a one-yard rush. 
 
The Tigers closed on the Kentucky State lead with a short pass into the endzone to come within two of the 23-21 KSU lead at 6:51 in the third quarter. 
 
Kentucky State held off Benedict in the fourth quarter keeping them scoreless to defeat the Tigers 23-21. 
 
The Thorobreds will hit the road as they take on Tuskegee on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. in Tuskegee, Alabama. 
 
 
 
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