BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southern Jaguars have a 17-13 lead over Alabama State at halftime of the Birmingham Football Classic.

The Jaguars struck first when Mike Franklin rushed in a touchdown from 29 yards out. Alabama State would kick a field goal near the end of the first quarter for a 7-3 Jaguar lead after the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Southern quarterback Christian Johnson threw a 41-yard pass to wide receiver Daejawn Smith to get the Jags inside the 5-yard line. Johnson would punch it in himself one play later for Southern to go up 14-3.On the very next drive, the Hornets made the game closer by scoring a touchdown of their own. Southern kept their lead though, 14-13.

The Jags got a field goal out of their next drive. Nathan Zimmer nailed one from 24 yards out for a 17-10 Southern lead. Just before the end of the half, Alabama State's Andrew Abu-Akel kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 17-13.

The start of the second half swung Alabama State's way. Jareese Howard rushed in a touchdown with about five-and-a-half minutes left in the third quarter. The Hornets would find the endzone on their next offensive drive when Randall King caught a 9-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Andrew Body.

The Jags trailed 27-17 after the third quarter.

The fourth quarter didn't start any better. On the first play of the quarter, Johnson threw an interception to ASU's Greg Mangle. The Hornets would get some point out of the turnover with a field goal. They led Southern 30-17 with less than 10 minutes left in the game.