Even though it's not a conference game, the Alabama A&M outside linebacker understands the value of playing an in-state opponent.
Especially when the opponent is only located about 80 miles away from campus.
Alabama A&M hosts North Alabama on Saturday, renewing an old football series that once was played almost every year. Kickoff at Louis Crews Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Because a large crowd is expected, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Alabama A&M ticket office at 256-372-4700 or visiting www.aamutix.universitytickets.com.
"There is a lot of excitement around campus," said Bethune, who was named the SWAC's Defensive Player of the Week following a strong performance in the Bulldogs' 37-0 win against Miles. Bethune finished with six tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback pressures.
"Both teams are coming off good wins to open the season. And because of how close our schools are in location, it seems like everyone is excited about the matchup."
UNA (1-0), which is playing its first season as a Division I FCS program, opened the season last week with a 34-30 win at Southern Utah.
Alabama A&M and UNA have played 22 times, with the Lions holding an 18-3-1 advantage in the series. The last time the two Tennessee Valley programs played was in 1997, with UNA winning 49-20 in front of a crowd of 19,487 at Louis Crews Stadium.
For Alabama A&M (1-0), the prominent storyline from Week 1 was the Bulldogs' defense. Alabama A&M held Miles to 115 total yards, with just 80 on the ground. Miles also was held to just one third-down conversion in 13 attempts.
Dating back to last season, Alabama A&M now has posted a shutout in six consecutive quarters. The last points surrendered by the Bulldogs was in the second quarter of last season's finale against Kentucky State.
"Defensively, we played extremely well," Alabama A&M coach Connell Maynor said. "Our front seven, especially our front four, dominated the line-of-scrimmage. Those guys did exactly what we know they are capable of doing."
Through the first three quarters, Alabama A&M produced points on almost every possession.
Sophomore quarterback Aqeel Glass made plays in the passing game, completing 10 of 18 attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns, and all four running backs used by Alabama A&M averaged more than 5.5 yards per carry.
Freshman running back Gary Quarles led Alabama A&M with 51 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.3 yards per carry, while junior Jordan Bentley rushed for 45 yards and a score — averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
"Coming into the game, we wanted to spread the ball around and get everyone involved," Glass said. "After watching the film, I feel like we did some good things — some things we can build on.
"There is a lot of excitement about this game. We're excited to get this opportunity, not only because we're playing for our team and our school, but because we get an opportunity to play for HBCUs across the country."
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
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