By Kendrick Marshall
(Source: HBCU Sports)
When Alabama State and Jackson State meet on Saturday, it won’t just be another conference game.
It’s a battle soaked in SWAC tradition, a contest with division title implications, and a nationally televised showcase for two of the league’s top programs.
For Hornets head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., the matchup carries a dual perspective — a deep historical connection, and the present-day urgency of chasing a championship.
The Hornets are 4-1 overall, just like the Tigers. Both teams have explosive offenses and solid defenses. It couldn’t be a more enticing matchup for all those reasons.
“From a historical aspect, I’m definitely connected to that,” Robinson said, who played in many Alabama State-Jackson State games as a Hornets linebacker. “But for the players on the field, which is what really matters, those guys are just focusing on trying to win one ball game.”
Alabama State enters fresh off a taxing homecoming win over Bethune-Cookman, a 52-point offensive outburst that was its best of the season.
Matchup will decide SWAC East outlook
“It was one of those games where you never felt like we were really in control,” Robinson said about the Bethune-Cookman game. “That test at home will prepare us for this week, which is just as big a platform. We understand the importance of it within the whole SWAC conference race.”
Robinson’s approach has been to keep his team grounded: win each day, each practice, each play. “If you start worrying about Saturday, you won’t be able to perform at a high level on Tuesday,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s still a football game — go out there and play fun.”
Across the sideline, Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor knows exactly what’s at stake. Last year, the Tigers clinched the SWAC East Division crown on Alabama State’s field, and now face an opponent eager for payback. “They’re looking for a little get back right now,” Taylor said. “It’s a physical game every time we play them, whether on the road or in the Vet. I’ve been stressing that to our football team.”
Taylor also noted the added wrinkles to this year’s matchup. Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body, who missed last season’s meeting, is expected to start. “They can score points, and they’re still playing solid defense, which you expect from an Eddie Robinson-led team,” Taylor said.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, a platform Taylor views as an opportunity to represent the best of SWAC football. “It’s going to be a lot of eyes watching this,” Taylor said. “Two well-coached programs, a chance to show we’re playing good ball not only in HBCU football, but FCS football too.”
Both coaches agree the clash is monumental, yet they frame it as the “next game” in the schedule — a necessary mental approach in a season where destiny remains in their control. With both teams in prime position to claim the East, Saturday promises a high-intensity showcase, rooted in tradition, fueled by championship ambitions.