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.