Alabama State and Tuskegee to meet Saturday for first time since 2012

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- fter a four-year hiatus, one of the oldest rivalries in HBCU football resumes Saturday night as Alabama State University hosts Tuskegee University at ASU Stadium in the Marion Nine Invitational Labor Day Classic.

Kick is set for 7 pm, and the game will be carried on the Hornet Sports Network.

"I am excited for the opportunity to play in this contest," Alabama State head coach Brian Jenkins said. "Every where you go, people always come up and ask about the game no matter what you are doing. It's finally here, and now we get to go out on the field and play.

"I am honored to coach in this game, it is such an historic game. I heard about it when I was a young lad and attended it once or twice when I was young. Now I get a chance to coach in it, it is just exciting. I keep telling our guys to enjoy the moment, this is one of the greatest things that will happen."

The last time the two teams met was in 2012, with Tuskegee claiming a 27-25 victory at ASU Stadium in the final meeting between the two in the Turkey Day Classic. Prior to that contest, the Hornets claimed the 2011 contest and have the most consecutive wins in the series at nine (1983-95).



Alabama State returns 13 starters, with most of those on the offensive line and at wide receiver. The Hornets return their top receivers from a season ago in Nygel Lee (26-357-2 TD) and Willis White (36-337-2 TD), and a host of offensive linemen which include preseason all-conference pick Sam Baptiste.

There are question marks on offense as Jenkins looks to replace a pair of quarterbacks from last season, and 1000-yard rusher Khalid Thomas.

"We like to keep an open competition," Jenkins said. "The guys are fighting it out everyday looking to earn the spots that we have. I like what we have, and we are deep at the spots. We have a lot of potential at the quarterback position and at running back where Alex Anderson has really stepped as a leader. It is a preparation process, our guys have stayed focused."

The Hornets look to rely on returner Alex Anderson (34-158-4 TD); while they will have others options in the backfield that include Ezra Gray and Darrel King. Under center, there are several players who will challenge for the starting role include transfer Darryl Pearson, Jr., Kobie Jones and Jimmy Ferrell. Only one quarterback on the roster returning on the roster has attempted a pass while at Alabama State – David Whitlow.

Defensively, the Hornets must find a way to replace a pair of all-conference performers, but have a wealth of talent coming back that includes the team's second-leading tackler from a year ago in Darron Johnson (66 tackles). Several other of the team's top tacklers also return from last season in Treyon Garnett (45 tackles), Ronnie Scott (42 tackles), Dominique Jackson (41 tackles) and Ishmael Aurismond (38 tackles).

"Our defense has been flying around in camp," Jenkins said. "Our new defensive coordinator, Osita Alaribe, has done a great job getting them prepared."

But it is the atmosphere and the opponent who has everyone talking this week. Jenkins compares this game to a pair of other Classic games that he has played in with the similar feel before the teams take the field.

"The Magic City Classic," he said. "And the Florida Classic. Those type of games, they are similar to this game. But I will say this, I think this game is bigger, I really do. Just to see the reaction of everyone in the community and around the region. You see people and the only thing they want to talk about is the Tuskegee game. I just get that feeling about this game."

Jenkins is well aware of the Tuskegee program and has a lot of respect for them and their head coach, Willie Slater.

"They are a tough football team," Jenkins said. "They know how to win, that's why they are where they are. They are tough. They are big time program and a big time opponent. This will let us know where our program is headed. Watching them on them on film, the first word I said was wow.

"They are well-coached and I have a lot of respect for their head coach. He has been around the game a while, and is a heck of coach. I am humbled to be a part of this contest and be able to share the field."

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