Brian Jenkins Era Begins Versus Tennessee State; Homecoming Against Miles

Alabama State announced its 2015 football schedule, including a homecoming matchup against Miles College.

“There is always great anticipation for the start of the football season, but this one is extra special as it’s my first in Hornet Nation,” said new head coach Brian Jenkins.

“Swarm and sting is how we expect to operate in every aspect of our program – to be fast, aggressive, and decisive, delivering the blow to our opponents,” said Jenkins. “We have a challenging schedule as it is every year, with our conference games being at the core. As I said in my introductory press conference, the time is now for us – not I – but us to get it done. We will work diligently to have the best season we can in 2015 and look forward to the support of Hornet Nation as our ’12^th man’ both at home and on the road.”

Interim Athletic Director Melvin Hines said with the release of the new schedule, fans can make their plans to join the Hornets for an exciting season.

“ASU fans have been looking forward to the start of Jenkins era football since his arrival,” Hines said. “In just a few months, we’ll kick off what promises to be an electrifying season on the gridiron.”

ASU will open the season Sunday, Sept. 6 at Tennessee State in the John Merritt Classic. Jenkins and the Hornets will make their home debut Saturday, Sept. 12 when Alabama State hosts defending SWAC Champion Alcorn State. Alabama State returns home the follow week to host Grambling State (Sept. 19) in the 2^nd Annual Prince Hall Masons Americanism Football Classic.

The Hornets will then play five of the next six games away from home, starting with road games at Mississippi Valley State (Sept. 26) and Texas Southern (Oct. 3) before returning home to face Southern (Oct. 10). The team hits the road again to play Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Oct. 17). Following an open date, the Hornets will meet the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in the 74^th State Farm Magic City Classic on Halloween.

After a Nov. 7 game at Jackson State, Alabama State will play its final two regular season games at home.  The Hornets will host Prairie View on Connection Day / Military Appreciation Day on Nov. 14, prior to the homecoming contest against Miles on Nov. 21.