MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) _ Rodney Thomas ran for two touchdowns and rushed for 189 yards on 28 carries to help Alcorn State defeat Alabama State 38-27 Saturday.

Alabama (0-2, 0-1 SWAC) got on the board first with an 8-yard pass from Darn Kennedy to Jerry Jackson. The Hornets followed it up with Chris Daniels 55-yard fumble recovery. Thomas had a 5-yard run in the second quarter for Alcorn (1-1, 1-0) to bring the score to 14-7.

Alcorn was leading 17-14 going into the half after a field goal and another touchdown. Two touchdown passes from Marcus Taylor in the third put Alcorn on top to stay. Thomas' final touchdown was a 7-yard run with 00:31 left on the clock.

Alcorn rushed for 279 yards, compared to Alabama's 145. The Hornets outpassed the Braves, 185 to 149. The Braves kept the ball longer 38:28, compared to the Hornets' 21:32.