BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  – The Alabama State University football team had its Friday walk-though practice at Legion Field on the eve of the 70th State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola.
 
The Hornets (6-1 overall, 6-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference) will face Alabama A&M (5-2, 4-1) at 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on WVAS 90.7 FM, streamed live on ESPN3.com, and televised tape-delayed Saturday night on ESPNU at 9:30 p.m. Hornets Football Gameday Central on bamastatesports.com will be the one-stop shop for all the links.
 
Alabama State arrived here late Friday morning and participated in the Kickoff Luncheon. After hotel check-in, the Hornets had their final practice before facing the Bulldogs. Alabama State, the defending Eastern Division Champions, can clinch its second consecutive division title and berth in the 2011 SWAC Championship Game with a win Saturday.
 
“I'm excited for these guys. This is a big opportunity for them,” Hornets' head coach Reggie Barlow said. “It's a big stage. They've been looking forward to it. They've said they want to be a champion and wanted the opportunity to play for a championship. They get a chance tomorrow. We control our own destiny with a win and it's important we get off to a good start. I feel good about where we are, the preparation and the mindset we have. I'm looking forward to watching them play.”
 
After two weeks to prepare for the Bulldogs, the emotional state of the Hornets is ascending at the right time.
 
“Sunday night's practice was enthused and energetic and I was concerned we were up too high,” Barlow said. “Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, guys were excited but had settled down a little. Thursday, with our kickers' competition, they got back energized and now we are here. They are ready to play.”

-HORNETS-