Huntsville Times
ALABAMA A&M BULLDOGS
2006 record: 9-3, 6-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, SWAC champions.
Coach: Anthony Jones, 41-18 in five years; 8-4 in his first season.
Best first-year record in school history: Louis Crews, 7-1 in 1960.
An Academy Award: Senior QB Kelcy Luke has become the leader on offense that the Bulldogs have been missing. Luke threw for 1,849 yards and 16 touchdowns with eight interceptions last year and ran for 425 yards and eight scores. The always tough defense has to replace some big-time playmakers, but DE Christopher Traylor could be a superstar pass-rusher.
Needs a rewrite: A&M lost its starters and backups at tailback and fullback. Besides the quarterback, only one player - Kevin McCants - had even one carry last season. The newcomers looked strong in the spring, particularly Ulysses Banks, and if transfer Max Martin is eligible the backfield could turn into a strong point.
How the script turns out: The Bulldogs are favored to return as East Division champs and have an excellent shot at repeating as SWAC champion.
ALABAMA STATE HORNETS
2006 record: 5-6, 5-4 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference
Coach: Reggie Barlow, first season.
Best first-year record in school history: John Hope, 5-0 in 1935.
An Academy Award: RB Jay Peck picked up his degree in the spring and the Hornets hope he picks up on the field where he left off last year. He ran for 1,086 yards last season. Peck has the entire offensive front from last season returning, too, led by G Ivora Hall.
Needs a rewrite: The Hornets lost their top three wideouts and QB Alex Engram was inconsistent a year ago. The QB spot was up in the air most of the year, particularly as Engram struggled with nagging injuries.
How the script turns out: Barlow's first year may hinge on the play of his quarterback. Engram - or junior college transfer Chris Mitchell or true freshman Devin Dominquez - will have to make plays for ASU to challenge in the SWAC.
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