MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- In two games this season, Miles has allowed four touchdowns and four field goals.

Give it up for symmetry.

But what is asymmetrical after two games this season is the won-loss column for the Golden Bears. Miles was unable to repeat the magic of last season's monumental upset of the Hornets, only able to muster 141 yards of total offense and turned the ball over three times in a 24-3 loss Saturday night in front of 15,225 at ASU Stadium. While both of Miles' losses are of the non-conference variety, an 0-2 start is not what the team had in mind when it kicked off last week at West Alabama.

Despite playing without its top two quarterbacks, Alabama State (1-1) wasted no time seizing early control. James Hayes threw a 60-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the game to Asa Gregg to give the Hornets a 7-0 advantage 73 seconds into the contest. Miles responded with a 12-play drive, leaning on running back Jonero Scott (18 carries, 57 yards) to inch into Bama State territory. But on 4th-and-6 from the Hornets 38, quarterback Kamren Ivory (16-of-32, 168 yards) was not able to get loose from the ASU rush and was brought down at the line of scrimmage, giving the ball back to the Hornets.

The Golden Bears had a couple more opportunities on drives in ASU territory throughout the night. In the second quarter, the team advanced to the 27-yard line before the drive stalled. Roderick Smith was able to get Miles on the board with a 44-yard field goal that cut the deficit to 10-3 with 4:35 left in the first half. But Alabama State struck quickly on its ensuing possession as Daquan Kincey galloped 65 yards on their next offensive play to jump out to a 17-3 lead.

The Hornets had a punt return for touchdown called back due to a penalty but still was able to score with 13 seconds left before the half on an 8-yard scoring pass from Hayes to Jalen Jones. Miles trailed 24-3 at the half and was able to pitch a second-half shutout. But the offense failed to capitalize. On its opening drive in the third quarter, Miles had moved into Hornets territory again, getting to the ASU 12. But Scott fumbled the football after making a catch and ASU recovered to end that scoring threat. The Golden bears would have first and goal from the 8 later in the third quarter but, again, the drive stalled and Smith;s short field goal was no good.

Trvaunta Abner had four catches for 57 yards while receivers Franck Pierre (3-44), Keidarris Griffin (3-38) and Jaquel Fells (5-24) all were active in the passing game for Miles. Jeremiah  Hudson Davis had a career-high 11 tackles (seven solo) while William Hardy (eight tackles), Roc Dowdell (four tackles (1.5 tackles for loss), Jamichael Rogers (four tackles, two tackles for loss) and Jayln Chambers (three tackles, INT) each played well defensively for the Golden Bears, who host Lane on Sept. 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.