The Alabama State University football team got back to work Tuesday night and began preparing for Saturday's home opener vs. Grambling State. 

“The energy level was good,” head coach Reggie Barlow said of Tuesday's practice. “I enjoyed the energy, but we just have to clean some things up. I want them to understand the urgency, not only because it's the next game, but the meaning of this week's game. We have the opportunity to be 2-0 in the SWAC and set ourselves apart in the standings. It's going to be a challenge.” 

The Hornets, coming off a 14-7 loss at Eastern Michigan, now turn their attention Grambling State, also coming off a loss to a Division I FBS program in Louisiana-Monroe 35-7. And while ASU has veteran players that have played in big games before, there are a number of newcomers that are being counted on to play significant roles in a significant game.

“They need to understand the game is going to be played extremely fast,” Barlow said. “It's going to be played with a lot of emotion and it's going to be a competitive, 60-minute all-out contest. It's going to be that type of deal. I can say that to a lot to guys that have experienced it, while the other guys are going to have to see it. We're trying to prepare them mentally that it's going to happen fast and they have to be ready to play.”

The strength of the Tigers is their defense, led by defense end Jomarcus Savage and defensive tackle Antoine Rogers.

“Their defensive front, it starts with them,” Barlow said of the GSU defense. “Those two guys are a load. Linebacker Cliff Exama is an all-SWAC performer, and then the secondary has guys that can play. Offensively, they want to run the ball and establish the run and they do have some playmakers.”

Alabama State returns to practice Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.