AAMU surging early on offense

Photo: AAMU vs TSU

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

Alabama A&M has never had an overpowering offense during Anthony Jones' previous five seasons.

The Bulldogs' highest scoring average under Jones came in 2003 when they averaged 33.2 points per game, fourth-best in the SWAC. Their highest total offense average came in 2005 when they averaged 385 yards, fourth-best in the SWAC.

But A&M is plenty busy after two games this season. In posting blowout wins over Tennessee State and Clark Atlanta, the Bulldogs have been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 45 points and 529 yards per game. A&M is averaging 302 yards through the air and 227 yards on the ground.

"Right now, people are looking at us and saying they have to stop our running game and our passing game," Jones said. "That's a good position to be in."

Jones thought A&M would have a good offense this year, but he had no idea it would be this good this fast.

The Bulldogs had to replace three fifth-year seniors along the offensive line. They lost their top two tailbacks, their top two fullbacks and three of their top four receivers. Throw in the fact that three new assistant coaches were added to the offensive staff less than a month before preseason practice started and Jones anticipated early problems.

"I've been the kind of coach that has taken advantage of the talent that we have," Jones said. "This is a year where we're gifted with a lot of speed. I believe we've had more 20-yard plays in the first two games than we had almost all of last season."

Four of A&M's seven touchdowns against Tennessee State covered 25 yards or more. The Bulldogs had seven plays 22 yards or longer. Three of A&M's six touchdowns against Clark Atlanta covered 20 yards or more. The Bulldogs had eight plays 20 yards or longer.

"It's not surprising," quarterback Kelcy Luke said. "We knew what we were capable of the first couple of weeks of camp. Coach Jones is taking advantage of it."

Against Clark Atlanta, Luke completed 21-of-32 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns. Nine different players caught passes. Three different players caught touchdown passes. Tailback Ulysses Banks rushed for 211 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns.

Banks and Anthony Green have gotten the bulk of the carries at tailback. Thomas Harris, the top returning receiver, has been joined by newcomers Rashad Johnson and Nate Baxter. Veteran tight ends Charles Moody and John Smith, along with offensive tackles James Sanders and Darius Turner, have been leaders along with Luke, A&M's starting quarterback the last four years.

"The young guys are centered around an old veteran in Kelcy and then you have some feisty veterans in key positions," said Jones, referring to Moody, Smith, Sanders and Turner. "They've done a great job in helping us rebuild our offense."



Who's hot: Running back Ulysses Banks, in only his second career start, rushed for a school- record 211 yards on just 19 carries and scored two touchdowns in Alabama A&M's 41-10 drubbing of Clark Atlanta.

Who's not: Defensive back Stephan Tucker allowed a 61-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. It is the second week in a row Tucker has given up a pass catch of 60 yards or more.

Who's hurt: The Bulldogs sustained no significant injuries.

Who's next: Alabama A&M hosts Mississippi Valley State in its conference opener Saturday night at Louis Crews Stadium. Kickoff is 6:30.