Thanksgiving Day was the 100th edition of the Turkey Day Classic between the Alabama State Hornets and the Tuskegee Golden Tigers, and the Hornets gave their fans plenty to be thankful for Thursday in beating the Golden Tigers, 34-6.

Alabama State (7-5) raced out to a three-touchdown lead in the first quarter, and although things cooled off in the second, the Hornets still entered halftime with a 22-point lead.

In the second half, the offense mostly just tried to kill the clock, but the defense played nearly perfect down the stretch. In doing so, Alabama State kept Tuskegee (5-6) out of the end zone for the second consecutive game.

Keye, McMinn have career days for Alabama State football

Redshirt freshman Kareem Keye firmly established himself as ASU’s quarterback of the future on Thursday. The former wide receiver came out slinging against TU, setting career-highs with 331 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.

Much of that went to redshirt junior Robert McMinn. While primarily a kickoff and punt returner, McMinn starred on offense against Tuskegee with a career-high 152 receiving yards and two scores.

Trick play comes out on Thanksgiving

Early in the first quarter, the Hornets shocked the Golden Tigers after their second touchdown.

With a 14-0 lead — and Tuskegee’s kick return unit playing deeper than usual — Alabama State kicker Brandon Gilliam caught TU off guard with an onside kick. The ball traveled the 10 yards required for the kicking team to legally recover, and when it did, the only player who could make a play on the ball was Gilliam himself, which he did.

Jones has a day to remember, a blunder to forget

Just looking at the box score, redshirt freshman receiver Jalen Jones had a career day. He set new career highs with four receptions and 87 receiving yards, scored his first touchdown since September and rushed for 36 yards, including a 28-yard gain on his first career carry.

However, it wasn’t perfect for the Birmingham native. Jones was indirectly responsible for a 10-point swing in the second quarter. On his long run, Jones appeared to score a touchdown. But all scoring plays are reviewed, and after review, it was ruled that Jones had started his celebration too soon, dropping the ball before crossing the goal line for a Tuskegee touchback. On the ensuing possession, the Golden Tigers tacked on a field goal.