Southeastern Louisiana 48, Alcorn State 21

September 10, 2005

HAMMOND, La. ­ Southeastern Louisiana defeated Alcorn State for the first time Saturday night with a 48-21 season-opening victory at Strawberry Stadium.

Alcorn took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter and trailed just 14-7 at halftime, but turnovers proved costly in the second half.

Alcorn turned the ball over three times in the third quarter, and the Lions (1-0) capitalized by scoring 20 points in the third period. The victory was the first for new SE Louisiana coach Dennis Roland.

In all, Alcorn fumbled seven times ­ only losing one ­ and threw four interceptions.

“It was a disappointing way to start the season,” Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas said.

Alcorn State used two quarterbacks in the game.

Starter Oliver Bozeman led Alcorn on a seven-play, 77-yard scoring drive in the first quarter, but he threw two first-half interceptions.

Freshman Tony Hobson saw his first action midway through the third quarter, but he also threw two interceptions.

The two Alcorn quarterbacks combined to complete 12-of-26 passes for 62 yards. Preseason All-SWAC receiver Charlie Spiller was limited to four catches for 23 yards.

Alcorn State running back Jeremy McCoy provided a bright spot by rushing for 110 yards on 15 carries, leading the way as the team finished with 172 rushing yards.

Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Trey Willie completed 16-of-30 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 68 yards on 20 carries.

Alcorn (0-1) scored first, moving 77 yards in 10 plays. Jeremy McCoy capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.

The Lions then scored 48 consecutive points before the Alcorn special teams made a big play early in the fourth quarter.

Lester Mosley blocked a field goal, and Quentin Sullivan scooped it up and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown with 14:38 to play.

After the Lions went on top 48-14, Alcorn responded with one final scoring drive. Vernardus Cooper scored on a 9-yard run, capping a 3-play, 40-yard drive.

Alcorn had beaten SE Louisiana each of the past two seasons, including a 33-27 win in 2004.

Alcorn returns to action Saturday, Sept. 17, in the home opener against Langston.