Thursday, September 6, 2007

Alcorn may play No. 3 QB tonight


The Clarion-Ledger

THE ASU GAME
What: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-1, 0-1 SWAC) at Alcorn State (0-1, 0-1)
When: Today, 6:30 p.m.
TV: ESPNU

It's a good thing Alcorn State's roster is deep in quarterbacks, because it sure looks like the Braves may need all of them this season.

Sophomore Tim Buckley, the third-string quarterback, is in line to start in tonight's game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff because of injuries to senior starter Chris Walker and junior backup Tony Hobson, Jr.

The game is at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Spinks Stadium. It will be nationally televised on ESPNU.

Buckley has never thrown a collegiate pass, but was Alcorn State's starting punter last season. He was a two-time Clarion-Ledger All-Metro selection as a quarterback during his junior and senior seasons at Madison Central.

"We know Buckley's going to be a good quarterback for us someday," Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas said. "We just hope he's ready to show that talent tomorrow in case we need him."

Walker suffered a deep quadriceps contusion in last Saturday's season-opening 31-10 loss to Grambling. He's tried to practice this week, but Thomas said progress has been slow and he'll be a game time decision today.

Hobson injured his throwing hand after hitting it on a defender's helmet Tuesday while trying to make a pass. The former Jim Hill standout was having X-rays taken late Wednesday to see if any bones were broken.

Hobson's availability today will depend on that news.

"It's unfortunate because quarterback's a spot where you'd like to have continuity," Thomas said. "But every team is dealing with injuries in football."

The Braves have had a lot of injuries already this season. Wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux (shoulder), defensive end Trentis Allen (knee) and offensive lineman Matt Hooper (hand) will all miss tonight's game.

Tight end Channin Pugh is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

UAPB (0-1) lost to Mississippi Valley State 16-9 last Saturday. The Golden Lions are the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference West champions.

"(UAPB) will have a balanced attack that we have to deal with and match up with," Thomas said. "If we don't, it could be a very long night for us."

- David Brandt

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