The Alabama State University football team got back to practice Tuesday evening to begin readying themselves for Saturday's game at Texas Southern.
 
As is the norm on the first day of the practice week, the Hornets started installing the game plan for Texas Southern in all phases.
 
“It was a typical Tuesday practice,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “Naturally during stretching, the guys were jumping around as this game is a big opportunity for us. We've installed a lot of plays, so the tempo was not as fast as you would like but by Wednesday we expect them to move around at a faster pace.”
 
What was not the norm is the new national recognition for the Hornets: top-ranked team in Black College Football. The Urban Sports News was another of several national polls to rank Alabama State number one.
 
“I think the players are excited about where they are ranked and happy about it,” Barlow said. “I think we have a mature group and we're not going to celebrate. We've focused their mindset and made them know that it's one snap and clear. It's a great accomplishment. I didn't really mention it to them. I'm just not really big into that type of thing at this point in the season. I think their focus is on Texas Southern and we as coaches have to make sure we maintain that focus.”
 
The Tigers come into the game 2-2 overall, 1-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. The defending SWAC Champions defeated Alabama State last season (21-7, 11-6), a fact not lost on Barlow or the players.
 
“That was part of the excitement during stretching at the beginning of practice, of 'hey guys, we dropped two to these guys last year,'” Barlow said. “We're excited about the opportunity to change the fate on that. Hopefully our guys will not need any extra motivation from us this week, as Texas Southern did beat us twice last year.”
 
It was another day of honors for the Hornets Tuesday as QB Greg Jenkins was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week.
 
“I'm happy for Greg,” Barlow said. “Hopefully we can continue to have guys earn those honors, whether offense, defense or special teams. He played solid for us and was really the difference in the game with some of the plays he made. He's finally healthy and getting back to where he needs to be.”
 
The Hornets will practice Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m.