ALBANY — Clark Atlanta scored on its first two drives of the game, but it was Albany State’s defense that made headlines in the second half of a 34-20 Ram victory.

Americus native Cedric Johnson was picked off three times in the second half and finished 13 of 22 for 142 yards. He rushed for 82 yards but finished with 48 thanks to three sacks by the Rams.

The Panthers opened the game with 8- and 10-play drives and led the Rams 14-7 with 11:08 left in the first half.

Albany State answered with three-consecutive touchdowns that included a fumble recovery in the end zone to take a 28-14 lead into halftime.

Clark Atlanta pulled within 28-20 early in the third quarter, but the Rams put the game away with a touchdown with 3:09 left in the game.

The Panthers had 203 yards compared with the Rams’ 178, but the Panthers had four turnovers.

Winston Thompson, the leading rusher in the SIAC, was held to 23 yards by the Rams’ defense.

Quarterback Kisan Flakes led Albany State by completing 12 of 14 passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

The Panthers are now 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the SIAC.

Clark Atlanta will host Morehouse College next Saturday with a 2 p.m. kickoff.