Alabama State defeats Jackson State 17-12

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Running back Stanley Robinson's 26-yard touchdown pass to DeMario Bell proved to be the difference in Alabama State's 17-12 victory over Jackson State on Saturday night.

On fourth-and-11, Robinson rolled to the right before throwing to Bell who caught the deflected pass in the end zone for a 17-6 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Jordan Williams scored on an 11-yard run with 3:14 remaining but a conversion pass failed

Khalid Thomas rushed for 139 yards on 29 carries for the Hornets (5-4, 5-3 Southwestern Athletic), who won their third straight.

Alabama State's Ellis Richardson ran 2 yards in the first quarter and David Albert added a field goal for a 10-0 halftime lead.

Kwame Bowens blocked a punt and returned it 13 yards for Jackson State (3-6, 3-4) in the third quarter.

Alabama State lost three fumbles and Jackson State four on a field made soggy by a game-long rain.