ALFRED, N.Y. - The Kalamazoo College football team lost for the first time this season, 31-23, at Alfred University on Saturday.

Alfred led 7-3 after the first quarter, but the Hornets were on top 13-10 at halftime. Ian Burr made a field goal in the first quarter (33 yards) and another in the second quarter (25 yards), while Andrew Widger scored on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Josh Nichols with 53 seconds left before halftime.

Alfred scored a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 24-13 lead at the end of three.

Ian Burr's third field goal of the day, this time from 37 yards out, made it a 24-16 game with 7:33 left in the fourth. Alfred's next play from scrimmage went 80 yards for a score, giving the Saxons a 31-16 lead.

Kalamazoo responded on its next drive with a 6-yard touchdown from Nichols to Lance Taylor, making it 31-23 Alfred.

The Hornet defense forced a punt on Alfred's next drive. Kalamazoo took over at its own 7-yardline with 1:27 remainng, but could not get anything going on the final drive.

Alfred totalled 443 yards of offense compared to 343 by Kalamzoo. The Saxons gained 316 yards on the ground, led by Max Freeman IV with 274 yards on 33 carries with two touchdowns.

Josh Nichols was 28-of-55 passing for 305 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jonah Spates had 93 yards on nine receptions. Noah Piercy had 65 yards on three catches. Lance Taylor had six catches for 48 yards, while Bubba Wilson had three catches for 45 yards. Taylor and Andrew Widger both had a touchdown reception.

Jon Brunette gained 29 yards on eight rushing attempts. Sheldon Riley had 14 yards on five carries.

Ian Burr finished 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points.

Carson Deines led the Hornet defense with 10 total tackles. Brenden Moat had eight along with a forced fumble and a recovery. Jake Robertson, Ryan Hanifan and Micah Groom each had six tackles. Hanifan had an interception. Adam Stapleton was credited with Kalamazoo's only sack.

Kalamazoo (3-1) returns home to face Albion College in the MIAA opener next Saturday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m.