Samford edges Alabama State 12-7 with Witherspoon’s late TD
- Alabama State took an early lead with a 14-yard touchdown by Marcus Harris II in the first quarter.
- Samford responded with a touchdown from Quincy Crittendon to Iaan Cousin, but their extra point attempt was blocked.
- Damonta Witherspoon's late touchdown secured Samford's 12-7 victory, marking their first win of the season.
On Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, Samford secured its first victory of the season by narrowly defeating Alabama State 12-7. The game was marked by a pivotal moment in the third quarter when Damonta Witherspoon scored a crucial 1-yard touchdown, capping off a 13-play, 54-yard drive. Despite the Bulldogs' failure to convert a subsequent 2-point conversion attempt, the touchdown proved decisive. Alabama State initially took control of the game, scoring a 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter by Marcus Harris II, which gave them a 7-0 lead. However, Samford responded with a touchdown of their own, as Quincy Crittendon connected with Iaan Cousin for a 5-yard pass, following a significant 46-yard completion earlier in the drive. The Bulldogs' extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 7-6. Crittendon had a strong performance, completing 19 of 25 passes for 185 yards, although he was intercepted once. Witherspoon was a standout on the ground, rushing for 126 yards on 23 carries, contributing significantly to Samford's offensive efforts. In the final moments of the game, Alabama State struggled to regain momentum, starting their last possession on their own 20-yard line but losing 8 yards. Ultimately, Samford's defense held firm, allowing them to clinch the victory and improve their record to 1-2, while Alabama State also fell to 1-2.