Alabama A&M defensive lineman Alic Troutman picked off a pass and returned it 50 yards to the South Carolina State 15-yard line with 2:10 left in the game and A&M won the battle of the Bulldogs 42-41 to open the season on Saturday.
Aqeel Glass completed 28 of 49 passes for 426 yards and threw touchdowns to four different receivers for A&M. Brian Jenkins Jr. led the way with five receptions for 116 yards and a score. Gary Quarles rushed for 129 yards and a TD on 22 carries. Glass scored a game-tying TD on a 1-yard run with 6:30 remaining and Spencer Corey’s sixth successful extra-point kick of the day was the difference.
Also read: Alabama A&M QB Aqeel Glass named first selection to HBCU Legacy Bowl
Corey Fields Jr. threw for 213 yards on 14-of-28 passing for SC State with one touchdown and two interceptions. Fields also carried nine times for 89 yards with 54 of those coming on a TD run. Kendrell Flowers rushed for 80 yards and three scores on 14 carries.
Alabama A&M outgained SC State 569-455 and had a 28-15 advantage in first downs. Three A&M turnovers kept the game close.
