MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY1. Eley era begins: Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley begins his first full season as the head coach, as has 21 returning starters from a team he led to a 5-1 record in his interim role last season. "Our biggest improvement from last year is that we're throwing the ball with more consistency," Hill-Eley said. "Guys are making plays catching the ball and our quarterbacks are more confident with the offense. Defensively, guys are containing everything well, but we have some things to correct." The Hornets finished 5-6, posting their second straight losing season.
2. Championship football: The Hornets may be experienced, but they'll be tested early and often. Alabama State's first five games are all against teams that won a conference or division title last season. Tuskegee (Sept. 1) won the SIAC championship, Auburn (Sept. 8) won the SEC West title and Kennesaw State (Sept. 15) won the Big South crown. Grambling State (Sept. 22) took the SWAC West title, then defeated SWAC East champion Alcorn State (Oct. 6) in the conference championship game.
3. Coach "O" is back: After an eight-month battle with throat cancer, Alabama State offensive coordinator Mark Orlando returns to the sidelines. "(Cancer) is not a fun word, and so many things run through your mind," Orlando said. "You pray every day for the Lord to give you the strength to fight through it, and I was very unfortunate." The Hornets struggled offensively last season, finishing with the SWAC's second-worst scoring offense (14 points per game) and total offense (239.4 yards per game).
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