Alabama A&M notebook

Huntsville Times

Tucker challenges defensive teammates

Defensive back Stephan Tucker lashed out at his teammates Tuesday in an attempt to get them fired up to play Southern.

The Bulldogs, who have struggled defensively in their last two games, will be severely tested by the Jaguars' high-octane offense Saturday in Baton Rouge, La.

After giving up just more than 156 yards passing through its first three games, A&M has given up almost 600 yards through the air in its last two games, including 352 in Saturday's 48-24 win over Texas Southern.

"We've got to step it up and stop giving up so many yards," Tucker said. "Guys need to get it in their heads that we need to play up to a certain level. They need to step it up and bring it to the field.

"We've got a real talented defense. We've just got to put it all together and play as a team."

This would be a good week to do it.

Southern is averaging 26 points and almost 410 yards in total offense. The Jaguars are averaging 232.2 yards passing and 176.2 yards rushing.

A&M is second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in rushing defense (106.4), fifth in total defense (317.6), sixth in scoring defense (20.4) and ninth in pass defense (211.2).

Banks concerns Richardson: Southern coach Pete Richardson remembers Alabama A&M's Ulysses Banks. It was Banks who took the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in last year's game as the Bulldogs downed the Jaguars 28-21 at Louis Crews Stadium.

AAMU band member shows his leaping capabilities during half-time show.

While Banks hasn't returned any kickoffs for touchdowns for this season, he has been one of the catalysts in A&M's high-powered offense at running back.

He has 491 yards rushing and four touchdowns and is averaging a league-high 7.4 yards per carry. Banks also has eight catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

"He's a versatile kid," Richardson said. "He's making a lot of big plays for them. ... They're going to put him in position where he's going to get his hands on it and hopefully he can do something with it."

Huge crowd expected: Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones estimated 40,000 people would be on hand for Saturday's game against Southern. He said the Bulldogs have to find a way to keep the spectators from being a factor.

"The best way to keep the crowd of out it is to not give them a lot to cheer about," Jones said. "That's what we'll try to do. We need to keep this game competitive."

Furthermore: WR Nate Baxter, who suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter against Mississippi Valley State and never returned, is expected to miss his third straight game against Southern. Trainer John Gaines said he is hopeful with the Bulldogs being idle next week, Baxter can return for the Arkansas-Pine Bluff game on Oct. 18. ... Southern RB Kendrick Smith, who missed Saturday's game against Alabama State with a strained Achilles tendon, is listed as doubtful for the A&M, Richardson said. ... The Jaguars have won six straight games dating back to last season. It is their longest winning streak since winning seven in a row in 2003. ... SU QB Bryant Lee is 6-1 as a starter. ... Southern leads the series 5-4, but A&M has won the last two meetings.

Reggie Benson

Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White Band