NORMAL - Game week preparation officially started at Louis Crews Stadium on Saturday as Alabama A&M turned its attention to next Saturday's season-opener against Tennessee State University with the final preseason scrimmage.

The Bulldogs and Tennessee State open the 2010 college football season on Sept. 4 in the John Merritt Classic at LP Fields in Nashville, TN.  Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

“The back of the week has been all about TSU," AAMU coach Anthony Jones said following Saturday's practice.”  “Anytime the defense can pitch a shutout and the offense score can score 40 points in 40 or 50 plays it’s a good thing.  We know we weren’t playing starters like what will see at TSU but it’s always good when the team is in rhythm.

Jones said Saturday's workout had the Bulldog offense working against the Tigers "scout team" defense and the Maroon & White defense going against the TSU "scout team" offense.

Jones noted that his team is preparing to play against Tennessee State’s best. With a new coaching staff inheriting a team that went 4-7 in 2009, they will look to depend on four new starters on offense and six on defense. 

"We watched the film and there are a lot of very good players over there," Jones said. "I expect them to attack us, so we are going to play football.  Coach Rod Reed is a good coach and he is going to have his guys ready to play at a high intensity.  If we don’t come out and match their intensity, then we will be shocked into reality.”

The kicking game has been a question mark the entire preseason and a question mark still hang on who will handle official duties in 2010.

“I saw both kickers do some good things tonight and both can kick for us, but will they kick.  The decision will be made after the coaches and I watch the film,” Jones said.

A few bright spots from the scrimmage included starting quarterback Deaunte Mason finishing 11-17 for 183 yards and two touchdowns.  Wide receiver Montarius Smith ending with five receptions for 83 yards on big plays he created while the scout team defense showed flashes of depth as they held the offense on four goal-line plays within two yards.

Season and single game tickets are still available and can be purchased at the A&M ticket office.  Their number is 256-372-4700.