HBCU Football: 3 takeaways from Alabama A&M’s domination of Alabama State

1. Alabama A&M wins first division title since 2011

In the days before the Big Ten split into divisions, the game between fierce rivals Michigan and Ohio State would often decide who got the annual trip to the Rose Bowl. That layer adds to the fierce nature of a rivalry game.

The Bulldogs close their season against Mississippi Valley State next week and needed this win to clinch the title outright with no tiebreakers. The Hornets sought to play spoiler and hope the Delta Devils could upset the Bulldogs in the season finale.

Head coach Connell Maynor has to be pleased with how the defense played in this game. After giving up two touchdowns in the first half, the Bulldogs’ defense shut out the Alabama State offense in the second half.

The win gives Alabam A&M its first opportunity to play for a SWAC conference championship since 2011 and their first conference title since 2006. What makes the win doubly sweet for the Bulldogs is they got to do it against their interstate rivals.