Alabama State Football: Heading Into the Conference Schedule

Read Time:2 Minute, 5 Second

With non-conference games finished, Alabama State is sitting at a comfortable 2-1 record heading into the conference portion of their schedule. Offensively, the team has shown explosiveness with their quarterbacks, Dematrius Davis and Myles Crawley. Defensively, sophomore linebacker Colton Adams has shown to be a key player for the Hornets leading the team with 18 total tackles. Right behind him is freshmen cornerback Adrain Maddox at 17 tackles and two interceptions.

For the Hornets, the trip to California to play the UCLA Bruins, an FBS opponent at that, was a big challenge as it appears Coach Robinson was looking to see what they had in the kitchen. With Dematruis Davis not playing due to a minor shoulder injury and the coach’s decision, they rotated various positions on offense and defense, especially at quarterback. Some notables were Crawley completing 16-of-27 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown in his first start of the season. Redshirt Junior Jeremiah Hixon had four receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown as one of seven different receivers to catch a pass that day. Transfer Wide Receiver La’Vontae Shenault had a team-high 45 yards in receptions on three catches. Also, Alabama State totaled 310 yards, 223 passing, and 87 yards rushing.

Some defensive notables were the Hornets holding UCLA to 4-of-9 on third down conversions while holding the Bruins on the day. Defensive back Irshaad Davis posted a career-high eight tackles eclipsing his mark against Prairie View A&M. Defensive back Jeffery Scott recorded eight tackles, including seven solo stops for the Hornets’ defense. Maddox posted his SWAC-best second interception of the season. Plus, Adams had seven tackles on the day, including one behind the line of scrimmage.

Unfortunately, it was a 45-7 loss but the team prepares for their second home game against 1-2 conference opponent Prairie View, who is number one in the SWAC West. The Panthers have a weak red zone defense giving up an average of 20 points per game. The Hornets must focus on stopping the run game to beat an unbalanced opponent that rushes for an average of 220 and just 102 passing yards per game. They have seven rushing touchdowns with just one passing touchdown so far. It doesn’t seem too hard to game plan against if you ask me.

ASU should have Davis back at quarterback for this game to utilize his explosiveness in the passing and run game.