BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Alabama State University Head Football Coach Reggie Barlow and players Edmond Davis, Leland Baker and Isaiah Crowell, made the trip to Birmingham to meet with the media at the State Farm Magic City Classic press conference.
Barlow has been a part of 12 Classics; four as a player and eight as an ASU assistant and head coach. It is a game that he remembers as one of his favorite games of the year.
“This game was always one of my favorites and it was always an exciting time,” Barlow said. “I am telling our guys all the time we should be thankful and blessed that we have an opportunity to take part in a game like this where you have a chance to play in front of a crowd of 60,000 and an opportunity to play on television. It is a big game and we are looking forward to it.”
Barlow took a few moments to remind the media in attendance about the season the Hornets have played through the first seven games as ASU dropped their first two games and enter the Classic on a five game winning streak.
“This year our season got off to a slow start and we dropped a couple of early games,” Barlow said. “Our guys kept their confidence and the team worked hard. Our coaches have done a good job putting these guys in place to make plays and we have been able to win a couple of games here recently.”
Alabama A&M may come into the game with a 2-5 record, but they also enter the game with the league’s top defense and so the Hornets understands what A&M will bring to the game in the 72nd State Farm Magic City Classic.
“We know the type of challenge we have with the Magic City Classic against A&M,” Barlow said. “This game is always a close game and it doesn’t matter what the records are. Both teams are going to be excited and real happy about having an opportunity to play this game. So it will be a good game and it will be a good challenge for both teams.”
“We have the utmost respect for Alabama A&M and their coaches and what they do there. So we know what kind of team we are going to be facing.”
The kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 P.M. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Birmingham’s Legion Field. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 with a tape delay broadcast of the game set for 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU. The game can also be heard on WVAS FM 90.7 and on the Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) Sirius Radio Channel 110.
“We are just happy and we are going to embrace this opportunity to be a part of this game,” Barlow said. “We are looking forward to our wonderful fans and supporters that come out to be a part of it. We really want to say thanks to the city of Birmingham. Every year this thing is getting bigger and better and we look forward to coming up here every year.
