BIRMINGHAM – The Alabama State football team had its final walkthrough here at Legion Field on the eve of the 71^st State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola.

The Hornets (4-3 overall, 4-2 SWAC) and Alabama A&M (6-1, 5-1) will play for the 76^th time overall and 71^st in the Magic City Classic Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m., and 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.

Alabama State arrived Friday morning to take part in the mid-day kickoff luncheon prior to practice at the 'Old Gray Lady', historic Legion Field late Friday afternoon.

“This is one of the big games that everyone is excited about,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “There will be a lot of fans here, and there's plenty of interest in the state of Alabama for those who have followed the games throughout history. We're looking forward to it.”

It's a big game for both teams as it always is, but with added conference title implications. With Alabama A&M the current Eastern Division leaders, the Hornets trail by one game and need a victory to stay alive in the race.
 
“I think we've prepared well,” Barlow said. “Having the extra week of practice helped us; I think they are dialed in and focused. They know what's at stake. We'll continue to communicate that to them, and overemphasize that to them so on Saturday they come out here and play loose and play free.”

GO HORNETS