ATLANTA, GA | Kentucky State capitalized on early big plays and a game-changing 100-yard interception return to beat Morehouse 35-17 Saturday at B. T. Harvey Stadium, handing the Maroon Tigers their third straight loss. Despite a strong offensive output and nearly 38 minutes of possession, Morehouse was undone by penalties, pass-rush pressure and missed opportunities as it readies to travel to Edward Waters next Saturday.
Summary
Kentucky State used a fast start and a game-clinching defense to down Morehouse 35-17 Saturday at B. T. Harvey Stadium. The Thorobreds (2-2, 2-1 SIAC) built a 14-0 first-quarter lead and stretched it to 28-10 by halftime, while Morehouse (0-3, 0-1 SIAC) fought back with two big touchdown passes from Miles Scott but could not overcome a 100-yard interception return and seven sacks that tilted the line of scrimmage. Attendance was 2,112 on a sunny, 90-degree afternoon.
With the Loss
- Morehouse is 0–3 (0–1 SIAC) this season.
- The Maroon Tigers allowed seven sacks and were flagged 12 times for 105 yards.
- Despite a 37:55–22:05 time-of-possession edge and 408 total yards, turnovers (pick-six) and red-zone execution (2-for-3) proved costly.
The Maroon Tigers produced 408 yards of total offense and dominated time of possession (37:55) but were undone by penalties (12 for 105 yards), a pick-six, a turnover lost on a muffed kickoff earlier in the game sequence, and defensive breakdowns giving up explosive plays.
Game notes
- Pivotal play: Kentucky State's interception of Miles Scott at the goal line and and the 102 yard return for a touchdown late in the second quarter, turning a 14-3 game into a 21-3 lead and swinging momentum firmly to KSU.
- Big plays: KSU connected on a 61-yard strike in the first quarter followed by a 34-yard TD in the same period. Morehouse answered with a 59-yard touchdown to Kamrin Brunson just before the half and Brunson's 1-yard scoring catch in the fourth cut the deficit but arrived too late.
- Pressure: Kentucky State recorded seven sacks for 35 yards, consistently disrupting Morehouse's passing game and limiting red-zone efficiency. Morehouse managed more first downs (23) and more total yards (408) but could not convert enough scoring trips.
- Special teams: Morehouse's Davis Rowe made a 28-yard field goal in the second but KSU's kickoff coverage and a critical muffed return gave the Thorobreds extra scoring opportunity. KSU kicker Leland Gantz missed a 42-yard field goal late in the fourth. Seve Spruill punted three times with a long of 59 yards.
- Discipline: Morehouse was flagged 12 times for 105 yards, including several drives nullified or extended by penalties; that lack of discipline played a meaningful role in the outcome.
Statistical leaders
- Passing — Morehouse: Miles Scott 25-for-31, 334 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Receiving — Morehouse: Kamrin Brunson 5 receptions, 87 yards, 2 TD; Noah Rhodes 5-54; Corey Pendergrass 4-50.
- Sacks — Kentucky State team total: 7 for 35 yards; Morehouse: 1 for 9 yards.
- Team totals — Morehouse 408 total yards, 26-of-34 passing for 341 yards as a team; Kentucky State 347 total yards, 15-of-20 passing for 218 yards. Penalties: MHC 12-105, KSU 8-70. Time of possession favored Morehouse 37:55 to KSU 22:05.
Morehouse will travel to face Edward Waters next Saturday. The Tigers must tighten penalties, improve pass protection, and finish red-zone opportunities if they hope to pick up their first win. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com or Maroon Tiger football on instagram @morehousefootball.