Preview: Alabama State at Grambling State

FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY

1. Trending up: Alabama State’s defense held Jackson State to only 294 total yards in the Hornets’ 14-7 win last Saturday at home. It was the first time all season that the Hornets held an opponent under 300 yards. Hornets coach Brian Jenkins said that all his team needed was to get the game into the fourth quarter. “It was a very hard-fought football game, but you have to give our entire defense credit,” Jenkins said. “They played team football and found a way to really slow down Jackson State, a good offensive football team.” The Hornets will travel to Shreveport, Louisiana, to take on Grambling State. The Tigers lead the SWAC in total offense at 527.4 yards per game and scoring offense at nearly 46 points per game.

2. Promising future: Alabama State freshman linebacker Darron Johnson won his third SWAC Newcomer of the Week award after recording eight tackles and a sack last Saturday. Johnson has earned the attention of his teammates, namely three-time all-SWAC performer Kourtney Berry. “He’s doing exceptional right now,” Berry said after Saturday’s game. “He’s come in as a freshman and played at a high level and does his job to the best of his abilities. He gives it 110 percent.” Berry and Johnson are tied for the team lead with 56 tackles.

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