The defensive units of both the Alabama State and Alabama A&M football teams will be key components in Saturdays State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola.
The Hornets (4-3, 4-2) will face the Bulldogs (6-1, 5-1) for the 76th time overall and 71st in the Classic at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at historic Legion Field. The game will be broadcast live on WVAS 90.7 FM, video streamed live on ESPN3.com, and televised tape delayed on ESPNU at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Alabama State practiced Wednesday afternoon at Hornet Stadium as the showdown with the Bulldogs is less than 72 hours away.
“It was our typical Wednesday practice; the guys were really dialed in,” head coach
Reggie Barlow said. “We had to straighten a few things, but they were working hard doing what we are asking them to do.”
This week, the Hornets' offense faces a stern test from the Alabama A&M defense. The Bulldogs rank first in the SWAC in scoring defense (13.9 points per game), and second in total defense, allowing less than 300 yards per game.
“They're a good defense,” Barlow said. “(Defensive Coordinator) Brawnski Towns has been calling their defense for a long time. We have our work cut out for us. They're a good team. They have good players, and they play their assignments really well. They don't get caught in doing something outside of the scheme. We have to make sure every guy is accounted for.”
Alabama State ranks second in the conference in scoring defense, yielding less than 20 points per game. Coming off a sub-par performance in the last contest against Jackson State, Barlow has seen improvement from the Hornets' D in preparation for the Alabama A&M.
“The players have taken more ownership and the approach has been better,” Barlow said. “I had a really good talk with CB
Darius Knox earlier, a guy who has taken ownership of his play and wanting to play better. When you have players who take ownership and realize they are making mistakes, it shows that they are team guys in the fact they want to correct those errors. I think they understand what we will need from them.”
The Hornets will practice Thursday at 11 a.m.
