Richardson, Alabama State beat Texas Southern 41-23

HOUSTON -- Ellis Richardson threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead Alabama State to a 41-23 victory over Texas Southern on Thursday night. Texas Southern took a 23-20 lead late in the third quarter when Averion Hurts found Derrick Griffin in the back of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown. But Alex Anderson returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards to give Alabama State a 27-23 lead. In the fourth quarter, Richardson had a short touchdown pass to a wide open Brandon Barnes and, less than three minutes later, Khalid Thomas broke a short screen pass for a 46-yard score. Richardson had 162 yards passing and 135 yards rushing for Alabama State (2-3, 2-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference). Alex Anderson rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown, and Khalid Thomas had 73 yards receiving and two scores.