After dropping their first three games of the season, Alabama State (2-3/2-2 SWAC) has rebounded to win their past two conference outings, both on the road.  Meanwhile, the Jaguars (2-2/2-0 SWAC) have won both of their SWAC outings and has done so in impressive fashion, scoring 50 points in each conference game.
 
The resurgence of the Hornets rushing game has spurned the offense in the two wins, rushing for more than 300 yards in each of those games.  Redshirt sophomore Ellis Richardson has run ASU's offense and is coming off a game which saw him rush for 135 yards and a scored and throw for another 162 yards and three touchdowns.  For his efforts he was named the SWAC's Offensive Player of the Week.
 
Freshman Alex Anderson is splitting time at running back for ASU, but against Texas Southern he rushed for 134 yards and a score.  His touchdown run was a 75 yard burst right up the middle of the field out running the TSU defenders in the process.  He received the SWAC Newcomer of the Week honor.
 
ASU's defense has shown constant improvement each week.  TSU was averaging over 30 points per game, but the Hornets came in and held them to 23 points, only six of those came in the second half.
 
Kourtney Berry continues to show why he is on the FCS Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.  He has 71 total tackles and is averaging 14.5 per game.  He not only leads ASU and the SWAC, but he is the nation's leading tackler in all of FCS football.
 
Berry will need plenty of help if the Hornets are to slow down the Jags explosive offense.  SU is averaging just over 30 points per game this season, but in SWAC play they average 50 points per game.
 
Southern boasts the top running back in the conference in Lenard Tillery.  He enters the game averaging a league-leading 93.2 yards per game, rushing for 373 yards and six touchdowns.
 
Southern has an outstanding quarterback in sophomore Austin Howard.  He is fifth in the conference averaging over 177 yards passing per game, but his 709 total passing yards is ranked third.
 
The Jags may have the most exciting player in all of FCS football in receiver Willie Quinn.  The senior only stands 5'-5" and weighs in at 145 pounds but he is averaging over 13 yards per reception and is averaging over 21 yards per punt return, returning one for a score.
 
He is one of the top kick returners in the nation averaging 29.5 yards per return.  He has also scored on two kick returns.  He has also thrown a touchdown pass which covered 89 yards.
 
Kentavious Preston is the team leader for the Jags defense.  He has 23 tackles on the season and a team-high 3.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
 
Southern is tough on the opposition's quarterback and has a SWAC-high six interceptions and 19 passes defended.  Danny Johnson leads the way with two picks.
 
Catch all of the action live on the ASU Hornets Sports Network.  The game will also be carried by HSRN on Satellite radio, Sirius 113 and XM 204.
 
All fans are encouraged to wear Pink as ASU would like to continue to bring awareness to the battle against Breast Cancer.  Fans are also encouraged to be a part of the Hornets Legends Walk which will begin at 3:45 p.m.
 
For fan information on the tickets, parking, tailgating and vendors, visit www.bamastatesports.com/gameday.
 
During Saturday night's game, ASU will honor SWAC Champions from the 2014-15 season, which led the way in Hornet Athletics winning its second straight Commissioner's Cup title as the best overall sports program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.