MONTGOMERY, Ala. | After winning five of their last six games down the stretch in 2017, Alabama State returns a wealth of talent as the team prepares to open the 2018 season at home Saturday night against Tuskegee.
 
The game kicks at 5:00 pm, with pregame festivities slated for 4:30 pm.
 
Alabama State and Tuskegee have met 100 times previously, including last year's 14-6 victory by the Golden Tigers at ASU Stadium. Tuskegee has won the last two meetings, although there was a five-year period between games with Alabama State claiming a 30-21 win in 2011.

The Hornets will open the season under head coach Donald Hill-Eley who served in the interim role for the final six games of last season, and had the interim tag taken off following the season.
 
Alabama State enters the season with the best defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) last season in both scoring and yards given up. They also finished in the top four in rush defense and pass defense, and return the majority of their core from last season. The Hornets return Ricky Haley (led the team in sacks), Devin Santana and Christian Clark (second team All-SWAC) on the defense front; while returning the majority of their linebackers. The Hornets look to replace All-Conference performer Ronnie Scott with preseason pick Jeffrey Hill, who led the team with 12 passes defended last season.
 
While the Hornets were strong on defense last season, the question mark lied with the offense. The team will look to Darryl Pearson, Jr. to led the charge under center as a second-year starter, after taking the role during the winning streak last season. Pearson, who was a preseason all-conference performer, will have depth around him on the offensive line and skill positions to look to. The team returns all-conference selection Tytus Howard to help protect Pearson, but also to create holes for the three of the team's top rushers – George Golden, Ezra Gray and Alex Anderson – who return this season. The Hornets also return a wealth of talent at receiver including Jamir Hannah and Nygel Lee, while also returning kicker Hunter Hanson for his sophomore season.
 
The Hornets are looking for their first season-opening victory since the 2011 season against Mississippi Valley State entering the contest. They will be facing a Tuskegee team who won their conference title last season, and averaged 24.5 points per game.
 
Gates to ASU Stadium open at 3 pm, with Hornet Walk scheduled for 2:50 pm through the Tailgate area. The Clear Bag Policy will also be in use throughout the 2018 season. Fans outside of Montgomery can hear and see the game via the Hornet Sports Network beginning 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
 
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