KSU Football Readying for Lane College

Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University football will welcome in Lane College to Alumni Stadium on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Thorobreds (4-4, 4-1) are coming off a historical 10-9 road victory against #5 ranked Tuskegee University, claiming the program’s first ever SIAC West Division title. If KSU concludes the regular season with wins against Lane and Benedict College, it will mark the first undefeated season against SIAC divisional opponents, the most conference wins with six, and the highest conference winning percentage at .857.

According to head coach John L. Smith, the Thorobreds have more to accomplish.

“As soon as we got home our minds switched to Lane,” said Smith. “Winning the West and earning a spot in the championship game doesn’t mean a hill of beans if we don’t keep improving and maintain the goal of winning a conference title.”

One of the more noticeable improvements by the Thorobreds has been their emphasis on the running attack. The KSU offense failed to gain over 100 rushing yards in any of the first five games, going 1-4 over the stretch. Since then the ground game has accumulated over 100 yards in each of the last three games, resulting in 3-0 record. Senior running back Damontre Warr has been a key factor as he leads the Thorobreds with over 400 yards and two touchdowns on the season.

Also playing a role in the offensive production has been the mix up on the offense line. SIAC preseason first team memeber Marcus Campbell Jr. has been an anchor at left tackle, along with fellow sophomores, center Tommy Craig and right guard James Brace, but the changes have been at left guard and right tackle. Senior Michael Moaga moved to left guard from the tackle position, and sophomore Jordan Watson has been implemented into the right tackle position. As a starting unit, KSU is 3-0.

Defensively, the Thorobreds continue to set a high standard. Only allowing eight total touchdowns to conference opponents, ranking second in the SIAC, trailing Tuskegee with only allowing seven.

Defensive lineman, Rodriguez Jones is coming off a heroic performance where he blocked the Tuskegee game-winning field goal attempt, as well as recording five tackles, one and a half sacks, and a fumble recovery. For his stellar performance, Jones was awarded the SIAC defensive player of the week for the first time in his career.

Saturday’s contest will be the “Pink” game for the Thorobreds as student-athletes and coaches will be supporting with various pieces of pink gear. All fans are encouraged to deck themselves out in pink, to represent the fight against cancer.

For fans who can’t make it to the Capitol City, the game will be broadcast live via video stream on the Thorobred Sports Network.