THOROBREDS HOLD OFF SAGINAW VALLEY 21-17 IN HOME OPENER

FRANKFORT, KY - Kentucky State football opened its home schedule with another close one Saturday, taking down a sound Division II opponent Saginaw Valley State 21-17 at Alumni Field.

The Thorobreds and Cardinals stayed within one score throughout the afternoon. After a 7-7 first quarter, neither team scored in the second. Kentucky State took a 14-7 lead in the third before Saginaw Valley answered to tie the game at 14-14. The Cardinals then took a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Kentucky State answered when Denim Johnson found Cam Tucker for a 35-yard touchdown on fourth down with 6:29 remaining. Tucker had a huge day, finishing with six catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson completed 12 of 27 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns while adding 26 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The defense then closed the door. Kentucky State recorded four sacks, eight tackles for loss and forced three turnovers. Kendrick Curry led the Thorobreds with seven tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. Ke’Ron Blankumsee had a fumble recovery and an interception.

Kentucky State improves to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in SIAC play.

Next up is another big conference test. The Thorobreds travel to Albany State on Sept. 26. The Golden Rams won the 2025 SIAC championship after defeating Benedict 22-16.

by Austin Stuckey, The Stable ---

PLAYER OF THE GAME: CAM TUCKER

Tucker came through when Kentucky State needed it most, catching the game-winning 35-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He finished with six catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

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Photography Credit: Austin Stuckey, The Stable