MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama State University football team opens conference play Saturday night against Prairie View A&M University at ASU Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 pm.
Alabama State (0-3) looks to end a three-game losing streak to Prairie View A&M (0-2) as the Panthers visit Montgomery, with last season's game going to overtime before the Panthers were able to come away with a win on their home field. The Hornets are looking to get their first win over Prairie View A&M since a 48-42 overtime victory in 2013.
Although the Hornets are winless to start the season, the start of Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play gives new meaning to the rest of the season. The winners of each division advance to the SWAC championship game, with aspirations of playing in the Celebration Bowl.
"I like to win every game," Alabama State head coach
Brian Jenkins said. "I hate losing more than I love winning. Hate is a very bad word, but that is how I feel. I am looking at the SWAC season beginning as us making a push towards our goal. Our goal is to win the conference and hopefully be in the show, and make it to the Celebration Bowl."
Offensively, redshirt freshman
Kobie Jones leads the team with 391 yards passing on 49-of-92 attempts. He has thrown for two touchdowns and has been intercepted three times, and has run the ball 32 times for 91 yards this season. He has spread the ball around with 14 different players catching a pass, led by
Jamir Hannah with 12 receptions for 93 yards.
Willis White has seven catches for 46 yards, while
George Golden has six for 44 yards and a touchdown – coming last week against Kennesaw State.
On the ground,
Darrel King leads the Hornets with 128 yards on 23 carries; while Golden – the reigning SWAC Newcomer of the Week – has 106 yards on 14 carries through three games for Alabama State. Defensively,
Treyon Garnett leads the team with 20 tackles, while
Joshua Hill has added 19
Darron Johnson 18. The Hornets have recorded 15 tackles for loss through three games and have three sacks to their credit. They have also forced four turnovers, returning two for touchdowns.
The game can be seen on the Hornet Sports Network beginning at 6:30 pm, and can be heard on a trio of stations – WVAS-90.7FM, YO! 100.5 FM and HSRN (SiriusXM Radio).
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