Alabama State defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton addressed the media on the SWAC Weekly Coaches Teleconference reviewing last week's win at Southern and awaiting the Hornets' SWAC fate while beginning preparations for the 89
th Turkey Day Classic.
The Hornets (7-3, 7-2) held on to beat Southern 31-30 last week to conclude the conference portion of the 2012 schedule. Alabama State has a bye week and while beginning preparations for the first game in New ASU Stadium, the Hornets will keep an eye on the scoreboard in Lorman, Miss. and this week's game between Jackson State (6-4, 6-2) and Alcorn State (4-6, 4-4). A loss by Jackson State would clinch the Eastern Division title for Alabama State and a berth in the Toyota SWAC Championship Game on December 8 in Birmingham.
“Last weekend was a thriller; I don't have any more finger nails to bite off,” said Thornton of last week's victory at Southern. “If I bite anything else, it will be meat off the bone. I'm just going to let the football gods take care of this weekend with Jackson and Alcorn…We went down to play Southern and their record (now 3-7, 2-6) does not indicate the type of team they are and the job that (Interim Head Coach Dawson) Odums is doing. Those guys play extremely hard and played extremely hard the entire football game. They never gave in and they never quit.”
Alabama State will begin to get ready for Tuskegee (9-1), the 2012 SIAC Champions, which is currently on a nine-game winning streak. The 89
th Turkey Day Classic will be broadcast live on WVAS 90.7 FM and televised live on ESPNU, with kickoff shortly after 3 p.m. A limited number of tickets remain, and can be purchased at
www.ticketreturn.com or calling (334) 229-4577.
“I do know they have a very, very talented roster,” said Thornton, who filled in on the call for Head Coach
Reggie Barlow. “A lot of people look at Tuskegee University and say 'they're a Division II school; you're a Division I school.' They're a Division II school, but not in talent. On their roster, they have a linebacker that's a University of Florida transfer, they have a safety that's a University of Florida transfer. They have a running back that's a University of Missouri transfer, and an offensive lineman that's an Arkansas State transfer.
"All these are Division I guys who played at major Division I schools that were major Division I prospects…They pose a problem…Tuskegee University is a very well-coached football team. This game means a lot to their school, it means a lot to the alumni and the university, and their coaching staff really emphasizes that. So the records – throw the records out the window. It just makes it that much more difficult a football game because of the talent on their roster.”
NOTABLES vs. SOUTHERN
• Alabama State scored at least 30 points for the sixth consecutive game, the longest streak by the Hornets since scoring 30+ points in eight straight games (all victories) during the 1991-92 season. The Hornets are now 37-5 since 2003 when scoring at least 30 points.
• Alabama State has won seven straight true road games (not including neutral site games), tied for the second-longest streak in the nation.
• Head Coach
Reggie Barlow has led the Hornets to back-to-back seven win seasons in SWAC play, the first Eastern Division team since divisional play began in 1999 to post back-to-back 7-win seasons in league play.
• QB
Greg Jenkins now ranks ninth in ASU history in passing yards and seven in school history in total offense. With 3,019 passing yards, Jenkins moved from up from 10th, ahead of Antonius Smith (2,968 yards, 1985-89). Jenkins' 3,750 yards total offense moved him up one spot from eighth, ahead of Brad Baxter (3,732 yards, 1985-88).
• RB
Malcolm Cyrus posted a career high in rushing yards for the third straight week, gaining 126 yards on 11 carries with one touchdown, a 29-yard run in the first quarter.
• WR
Landon Jones posted career highs in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (86).
• FS
Kejuan Riley extended school records in interceptions (21) and INT return yards (348). He is the active FCS leader in picks and second in return yards.
