The eagerly awaited moment has arrived for Alabama State and Southern University, What should we expect?
After an extended offseason, the eagerly awaited moment has arrived for Alabama State and Southern University. Devoted fans from both sides have patiently anticipated their teams' return to the gridiron, culminating in a highly anticipated matchup scheduled for Saturday evening at ASU Stadium. These two teams have likely diligently reviewed their previous encounter in 2021, which resulted in Southern securing a 24-21 victory.
ALABAMA STATE (6-5 RECORD IN 2022)
The Hornets embark on this season following a respectable 6-5 campaign last year. Their offensive statistics from 2022 reveal an average of 18.8 points per game, accompanied by 307 offensive yards per contest. Defensively, the Hornets permitted an average of 20.2 points per game. Notably, Alabama State predominantly employed a play selection of 40% pass and 60% run last season. Alabama State concluded the 2022 season with a 6-5 record and is eager to seize this opportunity, especially since it marks their home opener. It is worth mentioning that Alabama State has encountered three consecutive losses against Southern since October 10, 2015.
SOUTHERN (7-5 RECORD IN 2022)
The Jaguars enter the current season following an impressive 7-5 record in 2022. They exhibited an offensive prowess, averaging 31.7 points and 398 offensive yards per game. Defensively, the Jaguars conceded an average of 21.8 points per game. This game marks Southern's season opener, and in the previous season, their offensive play selection leaned towards a split of 38% pass and 62% run. Southern's 7-5 campaign in 2022 highlights their resilience. Notably, they are accustomed to playing away games, as they have yet to enjoy the home-field advantage this year. This marks the inaugural FCS HBCU matchup for Southern this season.
The Southern defense should be prepared for the home team's strong focus on establishing a running game, a key element of Hornets coach Eddie Robinson's strategy. This could exploit a potential weakness for Southern due to the loss of its two starting defensive tackles from last season. Dematrius Davis, an explosive dual-threat quarterback with a year of experience, sets him apart from Blood and is likely to deliver a different performance than what past game footage suggests.
Even if the Jaguars start the game well, they will face the challenge of finishing strong against an enthusiastic home crowd. The emotional intensity of the situation may lead to errors and unpredictability. The opening night of competition is often less than perfect in terms of performance. Therefore, the primary goal for the Jaguars is not just to secure an early lead but to stay competitive throughout the game and aim for victory in the fourth quarter.
Despite being the visiting team, the Jaguars can expect strong support from their loyal fan base, the Jaguar Nation, providing valuable morale boost. Additionally, Coach Eric Dooley is expected to demonstrate improved decision-making and game management skills, having gained a deeper understanding of his team. Southern's roster includes many seasoned players with extensive experience in enduring the challenges of competitive play across all four quarters.
