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Ohio Stadium had an HBCU atmosphere Saturday as Kentucky State University knocked off Central State University 20-6  in the inaugural HBCU Classic for Columbus in front of nearly 25,000 fans. 

The Kentucky State University National Alumni Association and the Columbus alumni chapter showed up and showed out for the Thorobreds as Kentucky State claimed its 15th win in the last 16 meetings with Central State. 

Kentucky State took the field for the first time since its 7-3 campaign in 2019. The Thorobreds showed they were excited to pick up where they left off before the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

Kentucky State controlled the ball with its running game and stout defense, rushing for a total of 322 yards and holding Central State to only 260 total offensive yards. The Thorobreds wore down the Marauders on time of possession, dictating their offense for nearly the entire third quarter for a total of nearly 34 minutes of action throughout the game. The Thorobred defense crushed Central State behind the line for seven sacks and a loss of 39 yards. 

Ohio State University played a welcoming host to the visiting Kentucky State and Central State contingencies, providing an inclusive and generous atmosphere for the HBCU tradition of football classics to thrive. Kentucky State gets a bye week next week before taking on Kentucky Wesleyan Saturday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium. 

Sponsorships by Nationwide, Huntington Bank and Revolution Mortgage provided $25,000 from each company for student scholarships. Gifts and contributions were also presented by Pepsi, Procter & Gamble and other sponsors.