SWAC Football: Preview, prediction for 2021 Magic City Classic

There is a saying that styles make fights. This maxim is no more true than in this rendition of the Magic City Classic. The Alabama A&M Bulldogs, led by strong-armed quarterback Aqeel Glass, wants to throw it all over the yard with a receiving corps that goes six deep. The Alabama State Hornets are no slouch in the passing game, with first-year starter Ryan Nettles having a solid first season at quarterback.

All-SWAC running back Ezra Gray fuels the Hornets’ offense. The Alabama State one-gap defensive philosophy seeks to keep everything in front of them while sending pressure in specific situations. Defense can be optional at times for the Bulldogs. A&M’s inconsistent defensive performance proved that in their win against Jackson State. Don’t be fooled; however, A&M can turn up the heat defensively when needed. They are a solid unit, considering how young they are, especially on the back end.

This clash of styles should be a fun one as the HBCU spring football season draws to a close. Here is more information about the game.

Date: Saturday, April 17
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Legion Field Stadium
Location: Birmingham, Ala.
Odds: Alabama A&M -2.5
How to watch: ESPNU/ WatchESPN/ESPN +

Keys To Victory

Quarterback play determines the outcome of this game. Though it sounds cliche, the quarterback that executes best and makes the fewest mistakes will likely lead their team to victory. Aqeel Glass, a legitimate NFL prospect, can make every throw in the book, but he can erratic when faced with pressure. However, blitz at your own risk. Glass showed against Jackson State what happens when the pressure does not get home, and he has man coverage.

Freshman Ryan Nettles has settled in quite nicely for the Hornets in his first season as the starter. Everyone in Legion Field and watching at home knows that ASU wants to get Ezra Gray the football. To get Gray some running lanes and force that safety out of the box, Nettles has to throw well against the man coverage he should see early.

Nettles demonstrated the ability to put the team on his shoulders against Mississippi Valley State when the defense plans to bottle up Gray. Though the Bulldogs can boast of their receiving depth, the Hornets receivers, led by Jeremiah Hixon and Wallace Corker, are no slouches.

Prediction

This interstate rivalry could be the game of the weekend. This game might be one of the best of 2021, spring or fall. Alabama State has to tackle in space if they want to win this one. If they can get A&M’s receivers to the ground and limit their high-octane spread to field goals, they have a chance. Alabama A&M gets a bad rap for their defense, but they are young. The Bulldogs’ defense has to grow up in a hurry and find a way to stop the Gray and Nettles connection.

The Magic City Classic could be the last one with the ball sort of game because these offenses are so good. In the end, go with the best player on the field. That’s Aqeel Glass, Bulldogs in a high-scoring barn-burner.

Final Score: Alabama A&M 49, Alabama State 45