BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Backup quarterback Riko Smalls accounted for 174 yards on offense in a starting role Saturday as Texas Southern held off Alabama State 11-6 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.
Texas Southern (9-3) won its first SWAC title since 1968.
Smalls learned on Friday he would start for Arvell Nelson, who was held out due to questions about his eligibility for the game. The sophomore transfer from Virginia, rushed for 88 yards on 16 carries and threw for 86 yards on 9-of-13 passing.
Texas Southern scored first on its opening possession, a 12-play, 82-yard drive, capped by Martin Gilbert’s 2-yard plunge. The Tigers added five points on a field goal and safety in the second quarter.
The Hornets (7-5) turned the ball over on downs with 7 minutes remaining after starting at the Texas Southern 3-yard line with a first down.
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