MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Daniel Durhart threw for a touchdown and ran in another to help lead Alabama State to a 47-22 win over Mississippi Valley State in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams Saturday night.

Alabama State (2-1, 1-0) took the lead with a 79-yard opening drive capped by 19-yard TD strike from Durhart to DeMario Bell and never let it go.

Malcolm Cyrus, the SWAC’s leading rusher, had 171 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, Khalid Thomas had 98 yards and a TD and Quinteris Toppings punched in a score from the 8. Preston Clark and Adam Shepherd kicked a field goal each for the Hornets, who had more yards rushing (370) than Mississippi Valley State had in total offense (359).

Julian Stafford led Alabama State (1-2, 0-1) with 12 catches for 222 yards, including a 42-yard TD grab in the fourth quarter.

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