Sept. 29, 2007

Final Stats

Mobile, Ala. - Before the season, Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow chose the theme: "Push it to the Limit". It turned out to be quite apropos, as each of the first four games came down to pivotal plays in the final few minutes.

In the Gulf Coast Classic - against a formidable Southern defense - the Cinderella season hit its first bit of adversity as ASU simply ran out of magic dust and fell 21-2 to Southern.

"It was a tough game," Barlow said. "We were really bad on offense. We moved the ball, but we couldn't take advantage of the opportunities.

For fans that loved hard hitting, attacking defenses, the game was a dream. If you like offensive fireworks, then there wasn't much to enjoy.

Alabama State quarterbacks Alex Engram and Chris Mitchell combined to go 8-33 for only 84 yards and two interceptions. Southern's Bryant Lee, who had not thrown an interception in 183 consecutive attempts, tossed three picks during a 16-29, 242 yard performance.

Between the teams, there were 14 punts and eight turnovers.

Still, the Jaguars made just enough big plays to get an important SWAC win. However, the ASU defense would get none of the blame from Barlow.

"Those guys (ASU defense) are great," he said. "They play so hard, but we just didn't get them any help from the other side of the ball."

Rechard Johnson tallied 10 tackles, forced a fumble, recovered a tumble and broke up a pass. Not to be outdone, Leland Jones had his breakout game of the season with seven tackles - including two for loss-, forced a fumble, broke up a pass and picked up a quarterback hurry. Also, his third quarter tackle of Chad Harris in the endzone accounted for the Hornets' only points of the night.

"We don't care what happens, we are one team," Jones said. "If one side of the ball is struggling, its our responsibility as teammates to pick them up. That's what we do for each, and that's what we'll do this week as we get ready for Jackson State."

NOTES: Alex Engram started his first game for ASU since the home opener, filling in for Chris Mitchell who has an injured knee. Mitchell did play, but wasn't as effective as he was earlier in the season.

Coach Barlow had been giving his defensive backs some good, natured ribbing earlier in the week. He discussed the fact that despite excellent play all season, they had dropped several potential interceptions. Barlow said, "yep, they're good athletes. But they are on defense because they can't catch the ball - otherwise they'd be receivers."

The ASU defense responded with three big interceptions against Southern.

After three consecutive 100 yard games, an opposing defense finally slowed down Jay Peck. He had 16 carries for 42 yards against Southern, who employed several "stacked" defense in preparation for the SWAC's leading rusher.