‘A special game’: Alabama A&M set to face rival Alabama State in Magic City Classic

BIRMINGHAM — Though Alabama A&M Head Coach Sam Shade is about to coach in his first Magic City Classic, he already knows the importance of the annual rivalry with Alabama State.

“This a special game, not just a game, but a special week,” he said.

And it all goes down Saturday at Legion Field when the Bulldogs take on the Hornets in the annual Amazon Magic City Classic, presented by Coca-Cola. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

The game will be the 84^th installment of the Magic City Classic as Alabama A&M owns a 43-37-3 all-time record in the series, which dates back to 1940.

For the Bulldogs, it will be their first action since their 45-25 Homecoming win Oct. 11 against Mississippi Valley State.

“We played seven games straight and had a lot of guys banged up. It was good to get those guys some rest and ready to go for this week,” Shade said. “We are excited about the game this Saturday.

“Alabama State is a great team, and I know Coach (Eddie) Robinson will have his team ready to go in this rivalry game.”

Alabama A&M (4-3 overall, 1-2 SWAC)  racked up 240 yards on the ground and after falling behind 9-0, AAMU outscored MVSU, 38-10 over the next three quarters to pull away for the victory.

Alabama State (4-2, 2-1) is coming off a heartbreaking 38-34 loss to Jackson State on Oct. 11. The Hornets had an opportunity to steal the Homecoming win at JSU, but Jamarie Hostzclaw was stopped short of the goal line as time expired, giving the Tigers the victory.

The Magic City Classic will be broadcast on ESPN+ (Watch later on ESPNU) with Tiffany Greene on the play-by-play and Jay Walker the analyst. Fans can tune into WJAB (90.9 FM) as Maurice Brooks (play-by-play), Thai Floyd (analyst), Evan Hayes (pregame and postgame) and Chauncy Sanders (pregame and postgame) will bring all the action.

ABOUT THE GAME

• This is the 84^th installment of the Magic City Classic
• The game features two high-powered offenses
• AAMU head coach Sam Shade is making his first appearance in the Magic City Classic
• Alabama State has yet to taste defeat in the Magic City Classic under Eddie Robinson Jr.

BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE

• Alabama A&M ended a two-game losing streak on Oct. 11 with a Homecoming win over Mississippi Valley State
• The Bulldogs’ offense leads the SWAC in passing and ranks 3rd in scoring and 4th in total offense
• Kicker David Faulk is perfect this season on field goals since taking over the duties on Sept. 27 (4-for-4)
• Quarterback Eric Handley has been named to the STATS Perform Jerry Rice Award Watch List
• The Bulldogs have scored in the opening quarter in 12 straight games, dating back nearly 365 days (Nov. 2, 2024 vs. Southern)
• Alabama A&M ranks first in the FCS in blocked kicks allowed, fifth in fourth down conversion percentage, ninth in passing offense and 10^th in fourth down conversion percentage defense
• Keon Handley Jr. is fourth in the country in fumbles recovered, while Franck Pierre is 21^st in yards per reception

HORNETS AT A GLANCE

• Alabama State is coming off a tough loss on the road to Jackson State in a battle for the SWAC East Division lead.
• The Tigers stopped the Hornets at the one-yard line on the final play of the game to preserve a 38-34 win
• Alabama State ranks 1st or 2nd in the SWAC in 10 offensive categories
• The Hornets are led by Andrew Body, who leads the SWAC in nine offensive categories and ranks in the FCS top 10 in six statistical categories
• The Hornets offensive line has paved the way for three 200-yard rushing games, including a season-high 388 yards and five touchdowns against Bethune-Cookman
• Alabama State is receiving votes in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25 Poll and the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll

SERIES HISTORY 

• Alabama A&M and Alabama State will meet for the 84th time
• The Bulldogs lead the all-time series, 43-37-3
• In the past 10 meetings, the series is tied at 5
• The Hornets have won three straight in the series
• AAMU has outscored ASU, 1,498-1,477 over the previous 83 games
• The Bulldogs are 13-4 in games decided by three points or less
• Alabama State has not won four consecutive games in the series since 1990-1995, when the Hornets won six straight

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

• Alabama A&M needs to protect the line of scrimmage
• AAMU needs to win the turnover battle
• The Bulldogs must avoid committing a ton of penalties