ALBANY, GEORGIA — Kentucky State used 303 passing yards, a five-sack defensive effort and a late fourth quarter field goal to secure a 24-16 SIAC road win over Albany State, marking the Thorobreds' first win over the Golden Rams since 2003.
The win improved Kentucky State to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play, while giving the Thorobreds victories in 16 of their last 20 games.
Kentucky State finished with 406 yards of total offense, including 303 through the air, while holding Albany State to 246 total yards and 81 rushing yards. The Thorobreds tallied nine tackles for a loss that included five sacks for loss of 33 yards.
Albany State struck first as Jeffery Davis connected with Cadrece Mobley for a 13-yard touchdown to give the Golden Rams a 7-0 lead with 10:39 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Thorobreds responded expeditiously, as
Denim Johnson capped a five-play, 60-yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Aiyon Carter, Tying the game at 7-7 with 8:36 remaining in the first quarter.
After the Thorobreds' defense forced an Albany State punt, Kentucky State put together an 86-yard scoring drive to take their first lead.
Juan Gainous completed multiple passes before
Zaiden Foster broke a 14-yard run to the Albany State 1-yard line. Gainous finished the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving Kentucky State a 14-7 advantage with 1:36 left in the quarter.
Albany State trimmed the lead before halftime as Jonathan Rodriguez connected on a 31-yard field goal with 3:43 remaining in the second quarter. Kentucky State entered halftime holding a 14-10 advantage.
The Thorobreds created one of the game's biggest momentum swings early in the third quarter.
On Albany State's opening possession of the second half,
Tray Blackmon Jr. forced a fumble from Davis after a 20-yard quarterback run and recovered the loose ball. An ensuing Albany State penalty gave Kentucky State possession at the Golden Rams' 44-yard line.
Kentucky State needed just four plays to capitalize.
Foster finished the short field with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Thorobreds' lead to 21-10 with 11:44 remaining in the third quarter.
Albany State answered with an 11-play, 65-yard drive that extended into the fourth quarter. Jayden Threatts scored from 3 yards out to pull the Golden Rams within 21-16 with 12:38 remaining.
Kentucky State responded with its longest possession of the afternoon when it mattered most.
The Thorobreds controlled the ball for more than eight minutes on a 15-play, 60-yard drive before
Leland Gantz converted a 33-yard field goal with 4:29 remaining, pushing the lead to 24-16 and forcing Albany State to need a touchdown and two-point conversion.
The Kentucky State defense closed the game from there.
Albany State reached the Kentucky State 21-yard line on its final possession, but
Jaheim Williams broke up two passes during the final sequence, including Davis' fourth-down attempt intended for Mobley as time expired.
Kentucky State's quarterback combination of Johnson and Gainous combined to complete 22 of 32 passes for 303 yards without an interception. Johnson finished 8-of-14 for 125 yards and a touchdown, while Gainous completed 14 of 18 passes for 178 yards and added the first-quarter rushing score.
Darius Cyprian led Kentucky State with six receptions for 96 yards. Carter caught three passes for 62 yards and a touchdown,
Joshua Thomas Jr. added four catches for 50 yards, and Cam Tucker finished with 44 yards on two receptions.
Foster led the rushing attack with 68 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while
Atavian Ray added 41 yards on nine attempts.
Kentucky State's defensive front consistently disrupted Albany State's offense.
Carlos Bazert Jr. finished with six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks, while
Micheal Daniels recorded two sacks and two tackles for loss.
Elijah Henderson added six tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
Williams recorded five tackles, two pass breakups and a tackle for loss, including the final fourth-down breakup that sealed the victory.
Gantz contributed in all phases of the kicking game, making all three extra points and the 33-yard fourth-quarter field goal. He also averaged 42.5 yards on two punts, with one landing inside the Albany State 20-yard line.
Kentucky State will continue conference play on the road as they head to Edward Waters on Saturday, Oct. 3. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
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