Alabama A&M notebook

Huntsville Times

Injured Moody, Baxter back at practice

Tight end Charles Moody and wide receiver Nate Baxter returned to practice Sunday as Alabama A&M began preparations for Thursday night's home game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kickoff is 6:30 and the game will be televised live on ESPNU.

Moody, who injured his left arch in the second quarter more than a week ago against Southern and never returned, practiced for the first time since sustaining the injury. Meanwhile, Baxter practiced for the first time since sustaining a severely sprained right ankle against Mississippi Valley State a month ago.

"Those two guys benefited from having some time off," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "They got through practice pretty good and hopefully they'll feel better tomorrow and by gametime they'll be close to 100 percent."

Moody is A&M's second-leading receiver with 21 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Baxter has five catches for 48 yards and one touchdown.

Jones likes practice: After taking Friday and Saturday off, the Bulldogs practiced for more than two hours Sunday and Jones was encouraged with his team's effort.

"It was a good practice," said Jones, although a few players were late. "We put in our game plan. Everybody was attentive. It was a good start for us."

Due to the short week, Jones said the Bulldogs had to alter practice.

A&M, which usually has Monday off, will practice tonight, Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning in preparation for Thursday's game.

Jones hits links: Jones spent the early part of last week on the golf course, but despite giving the players a couple of days off, he found himself back in the office over the weekend.

"I finished the game plan Friday and I finished the practice schedule Saturday," he said. "I worked some every day, but it was nice. I got a chance to spend time with my family."

Furthermore: Five different players have scored rushing touchdowns for A&M, while seven different players have caught touchdown passes. ... A&M has scored 29 touchdowns through six games. The Bulldogs scored 40 all of last season. ... Eighteen different players have at least 10 tackles or more. ... A&M has fumbled only four times in six games and has lost only one of them. ... Quarterback Kelcy Luke threw just eight interceptions last season. He has thrown six through six games this season. ... Luke threw 16 touchdown passes last season. He has 16 already this season.

Reggie Benson