HOUSTON, Texas | The Alabama State University football landed in Houston Friday morning, leaving the state for the first time this season to face Texas Southern University Saturday afternoon for the Tigers' homecoming.
 
Alabama State (0-5, 0-2 SWAC) is in search of its first victory of the season after falling to Alcorn State nine days ago, and will do so against a Texas Southern (0-5, 0-1 SWAC) team who fell to Kennesaw State last Saturday.
 
The Hornets will take the field for the first time under interim head coach Donald Hill-Eley Saturday afternoon, taking over for Brian Jenkins just one week ago. Eley is no stranger to being a head coach, as he served 13 seasons in that capacity at Morgan State and racked up 59 career wins.
 
Alabama State has struggled this season offensively but showed signs against Alcorn State in the second half just how explosive they can be. Sophomore running back Ezra Gray rushed for a career-high 124 yards on just 12 carries, including a 59-yard touchdown run in the loss. He now leads the team in rushing at 145 yards this season, while freshman George Golden has run for 133 in place of the injured Darrel King.
 
Kobie Jones has started four of the first five games under center, passing for 429 yards and a pair of touchdowns; while Darryl Pearson, Jr. has passed for 92 yards after starting last week against Alcorn State. The two have spread the ball around, connecting with 16 different receivers, which are led by Willis White (100 yards) and Jamir Hannah (93 yards) with 12 receptions each.

Defensively, the Hornets will be without starting safety and leading tackler Joshua Hill who was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team earlier this week.  Treyon Garnett has recorded 27 total tackles for the Hornets with one sack, while Darron Johnson has 23 and Malik Bridgers 20 for the Hornets.
 
Christian Clark leads the team in sacks with two, while the Hornets have picked off two passes. Alabama State is tied for third in the country with a pair of defensive touchdowns this season – an 80-yard interception return by Ronnie Scott and a 20-yard fumble return from Darius King.
 
The game is scheduled to kick at 2 pm and can be heard on the Hornet Sports Network.
 
Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University football, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateFB(Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.