By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times
Grambling bigger challenge than first 3 A&M opponents
Tennessee State didn't test Alabama A&M. Neither did Clark Atlanta nor Mississippi Valley State.
The Bulldogs disposed of the Tigers and the Delta Devils with big second-half efforts. A&M built a 21-7 lead at intermission against Clark Atlanta and coasted the rest of the way.
Although the Bulldogs' first three opponents didn't provide much competition, coach Anthony Jones said that will change Saturday night when A&M visits Grambling in an important Southwestern Athletic Conference game. Kickoff is at 6 at Robinson Stadium and the game will be televised on ESPNU.
"This is a big game for us," Jones said Sunday afternoon before meeting with his team. "Grambling is playing probably as well as anybody in the West Division. They'll be, without a doubt, our biggest test to date."
The Bulldogs are 3-0 and 1-0 in league play. The Tigers, who were idle last week, are 1-1 and 1-0.
During a six-year span from 2000 through 2005, Grambling won four SWAC championships. However, the Tigers struggled last season, finishing 3-8, and coach Melvin Spears was fired. Rod Broadway was hired earlier this year, and Jones says he has already paid dividends.
"They're much better this year," he said. "They've got talent down there. Broadway is an excellent coach.
"Watching them on film, they do a lot of good things. You can tell that they're well-coached. They've got their swagger back."
This A&M team is playing with a swagger, particularly on offense, unlike any of Jones' previous five teams.
The Bulldogs are averaging 45 points and 519 yards per game through their first three games.
"We've got some weapons we've never had in the past," Jones said.
After struggling throughout the first half and leading just 10-7 at intermission against MVSU, A&M erupted for 35 points in the second half.
Quarterback Kelcy Luke, after going 8-of-18 in the first half for 56 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, completed 8-of-11 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. Wide receiver Thomas Harris had three catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Running back Ulysses Banks scored two touchdowns, one on a 70-yard screen pass and another one on a 15-yard run. Banks finished with 103 rushing yards on 11 carries.
A&M had a pair of two-play, 70- and 78-yard drives for touchdowns, but also had a six-play, 75-yard drive and a 13-play, 90-yard drive for touchdowns.
"This team has been able to score on big plays and long drives," Jones said. "We haven't been able to do that in the past."
Monday after
Who's hot: Wide receiver Thomas Harris had four catches for 137 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's game.
Who's not: The Bulldogs' run defense. Mississippi Valley State freshman Ronald Brewer rushed for 146 yards on 21 carries, averaging a whopping 7.0 yards per carry. It is the second time in three games A&M has allowed a 100-yard rusher.
Who's hurt: Wide receiver Nate Baxter sustained an ankle injury in the first quarter against MVSU and never returned. His status is day-to-day.
Who's next: The Bulldogs visit Grambling in a Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown Saturday night. Kickoff is at 6 (ESPNU) at Robinson Stadium.
Grambling bigger challenge than first 3 A&M opponents
Tennessee State didn't test Alabama A&M. Neither did Clark Atlanta nor Mississippi Valley State.
The Bulldogs disposed of the Tigers and the Delta Devils with big second-half efforts. A&M built a 21-7 lead at intermission against Clark Atlanta and coasted the rest of the way.
Although the Bulldogs' first three opponents didn't provide much competition, coach Anthony Jones said that will change Saturday night when A&M visits Grambling in an important Southwestern Athletic Conference game. Kickoff is at 6 at Robinson Stadium and the game will be televised on ESPNU.
"This is a big game for us," Jones said Sunday afternoon before meeting with his team. "Grambling is playing probably as well as anybody in the West Division. They'll be, without a doubt, our biggest test to date."
The Bulldogs are 3-0 and 1-0 in league play. The Tigers, who were idle last week, are 1-1 and 1-0.
During a six-year span from 2000 through 2005, Grambling won four SWAC championships. However, the Tigers struggled last season, finishing 3-8, and coach Melvin Spears was fired. Rod Broadway was hired earlier this year, and Jones says he has already paid dividends.
"They're much better this year," he said. "They've got talent down there. Broadway is an excellent coach.
"Watching them on film, they do a lot of good things. You can tell that they're well-coached. They've got their swagger back."
This A&M team is playing with a swagger, particularly on offense, unlike any of Jones' previous five teams.
The Bulldogs are averaging 45 points and 519 yards per game through their first three games.
"We've got some weapons we've never had in the past," Jones said.
After struggling throughout the first half and leading just 10-7 at intermission against MVSU, A&M erupted for 35 points in the second half.
Quarterback Kelcy Luke, after going 8-of-18 in the first half for 56 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, completed 8-of-11 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. Wide receiver Thomas Harris had three catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Running back Ulysses Banks scored two touchdowns, one on a 70-yard screen pass and another one on a 15-yard run. Banks finished with 103 rushing yards on 11 carries.
A&M had a pair of two-play, 70- and 78-yard drives for touchdowns, but also had a six-play, 75-yard drive and a 13-play, 90-yard drive for touchdowns.
"This team has been able to score on big plays and long drives," Jones said. "We haven't been able to do that in the past."
Monday after
Who's hot: Wide receiver Thomas Harris had four catches for 137 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's game.
Who's not: The Bulldogs' run defense. Mississippi Valley State freshman Ronald Brewer rushed for 146 yards on 21 carries, averaging a whopping 7.0 yards per carry. It is the second time in three games A&M has allowed a 100-yard rusher.
Who's hurt: Wide receiver Nate Baxter sustained an ankle injury in the first quarter against MVSU and never returned. His status is day-to-day.
Who's next: The Bulldogs visit Grambling in a Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown Saturday night. Kickoff is at 6 (ESPNU) at Robinson Stadium.
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