Alabama State football: SWAC's best meet in prime time

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Thursday night marks the biggest Alcorn State-Alabama State game in years, perhaps the biggest ever in a series that began in 1934.

Because the two teams are in the same division and the rest of the conference is a step behind in talent and experience, the nationally televised matchup presents a winner-take-all scenario for the two teams chasing a berth in the SWAC Championship Game.

"I don't downplay it," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "I'll let (the players) know what it is. The only thing that's the same about this game (as any other) is you still have to block and tackle and somebody's got to make plays, but by no means is this just another game. It's a huge game, a huge step in the right direction for us."

The teams are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the conference in at least six statistical ...


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