HBCU Football: 3 takeaways from Alabama A&M’s domination of Alabama State
By Dante Pryor
2. Several injuries befell the Hornets
The Hornets had a rough day against the Bulldogs in the Magic City Classic. This was supposed to be a contest between two quarterbacks, Ryan Nettles for Alabama State and Aqeel Glass for Alabama A&M. However, Nettles was injured early in the game.
Nettles injury was the beginning of a difficult day of injuries for the Hornets. The game was close as both teams pressed early on trying too hard to make plays. Playing your rival on national television for the first — and only time for some — time can make your press.
As the game began to settle, Nettles got hurt. The Hornets then lost three other linemen during the game and were unable to recover. Backup quarterback Chris Scott stepped in for Nettles throwing for just 89 yards on 28 pass attempts.
It was clear that the Hornets missed their starting quarterback in this game. When Glass found his rhythm, the Hornets had to throw the football and could not go to running back Ezra Gray, though Gray did not play poorly.
The game got away from Alabama State and Nettles’ injury had a lot to do with that.