MONTGOMERY, Ala. | After playing for four consecutive weeks to open the season, the Alabama State University football team had a weekend off in preparation for a short week as they face Alcorn State University in a nationally-televised contest Thursday night at ASU Stadium.
 
Alabama State (0-4, 0-1 SWAC) looks to end a four-game losing streak to start the season after falling to Prairie View A&M on September, but will have do so against an Alcorn State (3-2, 1-0 SWAC) who has won their nine consecutive SWAC East Division contests.
 
The Hornets will turn to their defense that is fourth in the conference in points allowed at 25.5 points per game, and is sixth in total defense at 382.8 yards per game. Joshua Hill and Treyon Garnett are both in the top 25 in the conference in tackles, averaging 5.5 tackles per game; while Darron Johnson is right behind the pair at 5.2 tackles per game. Johnson is also in the top 15 in the conference in tackles for loss.
 
The Hornets are currently tied for third in the country in defensive touchdowns with two as Ronnie Scott returned an interception 80 yards against Troy, while Darius King returned a fumble 20 yards for a touchdown against Kennesaw State.
 
Alabama State will look for a way to stop Alcorn State who is at the top of the conference in scoring offense (31.8 ppg) and total offense (452.8 ypg), and is led by De'Lance Turner who leads the conference in rushing at 111.8 yards per game.
 
Offensively, the Hornets will look bounce back from their first shutout this season and will look to the skill positions at running back and receiver to do so. With Darrel King lost for the season, freshman George Golden has seen his playing time increase significantly in the backfield and he has responded with 119 yards. He also has six catches for 44 yards.
 
Kobie Jones is 58-for-106 passing this season for 429 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for 121 yards on 37 carries. He has spread the ball around to 16 different receivers, with Jamir Hannah leading the way with 12 catches for 93 yards and Willis White nine for 57 yards.
 
Kickoff is set for 6:30 pm on ESPNU, while the game will also be carried (audio only) on the Hornet Sports Network. Tickets are still available for the contest by calling (334) 229-4551 or (334) 229-8479.
 
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