---
"title": "Special teams leads the way for Alabama State Magic City Classic win"
"description": "Robert McMinn returned a punt 48 yards for a touchdown, Kisean Johnson pulled down a Hail Mary at the end of the first half for a score and James Burgess returned a blocked field goal 53 yards for a touchdown as Alabama State beat Alabama A&M 31-16 on Saturday. The victory is the third straight […]"
"date": "2023-10-28"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "HBCU Sports"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2023/10/28/special-teams-leads-the-way-for-alabama-state-magic-city-classic-win/"
"categories":
  - "Football"
  - "News"
"tags":
  - "Alabama A&M"
  - "Alabama State"
---

# Special teams leads the way for Alabama State Magic City Classic win

Robert McMinn returned a punt 48 yards for a touchdown, Kisean Johnson pulled down a Hail Mary at the end of the first half for a score and James Burgess returned a blocked field goal 53 yards for a touchdown as Alabama State beat Alabama A&M 31-16 on Saturday. The victory is the third straight for Alabama State, which posted wins over Bethune-Cookman and Jackson State after snapping a string of three straight losses. The Hornets held Alabama A&M to back-to-back three-and-outs to start the game and McMinn cashed in on the second punt five minutes into the game to take a 7-0 lead. Xavier Lankford answered with a pair of touchdowns, the first on a 1-yard run following an Alabama State fumble and the second on a 39-yard pass to Terrell Gardner with 19 seconds left in the half.

> Go up and get it Kisean ‼️
>
> 47-yard touchdown to end the half ‼️ Alabama State 17, aamu 14[\#SWARMAS1](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWARMAS1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | [@MagicCtClassic](https://twitter.com/MagicCtClassic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/4WNqXyKs9A](https://t.co/4WNqXyKs9A) — ASU Athletics (@BamaStateSports) [October 28, 2023](https://twitter.com/BamaStateSports/status/1718371438661427682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

After a short kickoff gave the Hornets the ball at their own 39, Damon fired 14 yards to Ja’Won Howell with nine seconds left, they launched a Hail Mary pass to the goal line where Johnson, surrounded by three defenders, came down with the ball for a touchdown as time ran out in the half. Alabama A&M drove to the Alabama State 30 and Jayden John attempted a 50-yard field goal that was blocked. Burgess scooped up the loose ball and returned it for the score. Stewart was 17 of 23 for 202 yards and a touchdown and Johnson finished with four catches for 82 yards for Alabama State (4-3, 3-2 SWAC). Lankford was 22 of 40 for 231 yards and a touchdown with an interception for Alabama A&M (4-4, 2-3). He added 14 carries for 26 yards and a score.