FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State closed out the regular season with its ninth win, its best regular season since 1935, closing the year at 9–2 after a 35–7 win over Shorter on Saturday. The nine-win season ties the best mark in school history. 
 
The team now awaits the NCAA Division II Playoff selections. The 2025 NCAA DII football championship begins with a selection show on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. ET on NCAA.com. The 32-team field consists of 16 automatic qualifiers and 8 at-large bids per super region.
 
The team won its eighth straight game, extending the school's longest winning streak since the 1976 and 1977 seasons. It is the first time since 1934 that the program has won eight consecutive games in the same season. 
 
Kentucky State held Shorter to its fewest points since Sept. 6, snapping the Hawks' streak of eight straight games with at least 19 points.
 
Kentucky State's defense generated 14 points off Shorter turnovers, forcing two fumbles that totaled 94 return yards. Lawrence McConnell added an interception that set up a first-quarter score, while McConnell and Mataye Youman shared the team lead with nine tackles apiece. The Thorobreds finished with five sacks for a loss of 34 yards and eight tackles for loss totaling 39 yards.
 
Jaylen Middleton provided a versatile spark for the Thorobreds, leading the team with 45 rushing yards and adding 26 receiving yards to finish with a game-high 71 all-purpose yards.
 
How It Happened
First Quarter
13:51 – KSU – Chad Elzy powered in from one yard out to open the scoring. 6 plays, 52 yards, 1:04. Kentucky State 7, Shorter 0
12:57 – KSU – Lawrence McConnell jumped a route and returned an interception for a touchdown. PAT good. Kentucky State 14, Shorter 0
9:49 – KSU – Jaun Gainous punched in a one yard touchdown run to extend the lead. 6 plays, 59 yards, 1:49. Kentucky State 21, Shorter 0
5:03 – SU – Jeb Walls found Lanear McCrary Jr. for a six yard touchdown to get the Hawks on the board. 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:46. Kentucky State 21, Shorter 7
 
Second Quarter
3:34 – KSU – Denim Johnson connected with Darius Cyprian on a 36-yard strike for another quick score. 1 play, 51 yards, 0:09. Kentucky State 28, Shorter 7
 
Fourth Quarter
4:22 – KSU – Devin Edmonds fumbled after a loss of three yards, and Jordan Thompson scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown. PAT good.
Shorter drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:09. Kentucky State 35, Shorter 7
 
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