Oct. 29, 2006

Final Stats

Birmingham, Ala. - One play. It's been the story of the Alabama State University Hornets' season. After big plays by opponents led to losses for ASU earlier in the season, it was the one play that the Hornets couldn't make that spelled doom in their 21-13 loss to Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic.

"Football is a game about making plays," said ASU head coach Charles Coe. "We simply couldn't make any."

The Hornets have seen how much big plays can cost them. A late interception thrown by ASU in the matchup against Texas Southern led to TSU's game-winning field goal. Later, Jackson State ran back an interception for a touchdown and the winning margin. After one huge play by Alabama A&M this Saturday, the Bulldog defense rarely allowed even the prospect of a big play for the Hornets.

After ASU's Anthony Johnson kicked a field goal for a 3-0 second quarter lead, A&M's Ulysses Banks returned the ensuing kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown.

"We controlled the ball and then we get the lead," Coe said. "You just can't afford to give up that kind of play after you score. It just kills you."

On their next possession, the Hornets were forced to punt after three plays. Five plays later, Nic Luke plunged into the end zone and A&M took a 14-3 lead to halftime.

ASU's defense made a stand early in the second half. Senior safety Desmond Foster picked off a pass from Kelcy Luke, the other half of the Bulldogs' brother combo.

After four consecutive Jay Peck rushes and then a sack, Alex Engram scrambled, ducked and dodged on an exciting 38-yard touchdown run. ASU cut the lead to 14-10.

A&M would again counter an ASU score with one of their own. Kelcy Luke hit Trevis O'Neal with a 51-yard strike. Ta'mar Scott scored just moments later. ASU would get another Johnson field goal, settling the final score at 21-13.

"They are definitely a very good football team," said ASU's Engram, who tore a ligament in his passing hand during the loss. "They came after us the entire game. Our coaches had prepared us for it; we just didn't handle it. Our offensive line played hard, but they were the best defense we've seen all year."

The Bulldogs had seven sacks and held ASU to just 56 passing yards and only 218 total yards on the day. "You tip your hat to them (A&M)," Coe said. "We'll look at the film, and then we'll move forward. We have a big game against a very good football team next week."

The Hornets, now 3-4 in the SWAC and 3-5 overall, travel to face perennial powerhouse Grambling next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.