By Donald Hunt
For The Birmingham Times
Alabama Agriculture & Mechanical (1-3 overall, 0-1 conference) will visit Jackson State (1-1, 0-0) on Saturday, Sept. 29. The kickoff will be at 4 p.m.
Last week, A&M received a strong effort from quarterback Aqeel Glass and running back Jordan Bentley, but came up a little short in a 29-27 loss to Southern University in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game. Glass was 17-of-29 for 210 yards and two touchdown passes and scored on a two-yard TD run.
Bentley had 15 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns including a 49-yard TD run. Bentley also caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Glass. Both players have been two of the Bulldogs best offensive players this season and A&M will need stellar play from Glass and Bentley going forward.
In other action in the SWAC, Alabama State University (1-3, 0-1) will try to improve its play following a 34-0 loss to defending conference champion Grambling State University (1-2, 1-0). The Hornets’ running back Ezra Gray had a terrific game leading all rushers with 130 yards on 21 carries which was a career-high rushing performance against the Tigers.
On defense, Christian Clark had eight tackles and one tackle for loss. Clark, Alabama State’s defensive lineman, did a good job of playing the run.
Alabama State will be off this week and return to the gridiron to host Alcorn State (3-1, 2-0) on Oct. 6.
SIAC
In the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), for the second consecutive week Miles College dropped a close game. This time Morehouse College nipped Miles, 23-21 on the final play of the game with a 39-yard touchdown pass.
The Golden Bears (0-4, 0-2) are looking for their first win of the season. Miles College will face Albany State (1-3, 1-1) on the road on Saturday, Sept. 29. The kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Offensively, Miles has a pretty good passing combination with quarterback Daniel Smith and wide receiver Leonard Tyree. Smith completed 9-of-19 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Smith’s touchdown passes were to Tyree while Smith also had a 49-yard TD run.
Defensively, the Golden Bears were led by linebackers Austin Stephens and N’Ktavious Floyd. Stephens had 13 total tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. Floyd had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and one interception.
Tuskegee University fell to Missouri Science & Technology, 16-7 in its home opener. The Golden Tigers really struggled offensively. Wide receiver Javarrius Cheatham was Tuskegee’s top offensive player nabbing seven passes for a career high 166 receiving yards and one touchdown. Tuskegee quarterback Ahmad Deramus connected with Cheatham for a 62-yard TD pass. It was the Golden Tigers only score of the game.
Tuskegee (2-2, 2-0) will host Lane College (0-3, 0-2) on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium. The kickoff will be at 1 p.m.
