HUNTSVILLE, Al. - Alabama A&M's defense, which has struggled over the last month or so, did so again Saturday against Alcorn State.
The Braves, who entered the game averaging 30.5 points and almost 370 yards per game, scored on their first three possessions and four of their first five and compiled 302 yards in total offense in a 41-24 victory.
"We didn't execute on defense," defensive tackle Frank Kearse said. "We didn't come ready to play."
Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge, the leading candidate for Southwestern Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors, was 9-of-14 for 175 yards and four touchdowns and also rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries, including a 15-yard touchdown jaunt.
Green likes the Wildcat
Running back Tony Green had a huge day, finishing with 156 yards on 19 carries and a pair of touchdowns, but he had the most fun running the Wildcat.
Green lined up at quarterback a handful of times in the Wildcat and had some success giving it to running back Kaderius Lacey or keeping it himself.
"That was pretty fun," he said. "I always wanted to do that. When (A&M coach Anthony) Coach Jones and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Cedric) Pearl put it in this week, I was really excited about it. I think it went pretty good. I think I read the reads right."
Jackson, Harris make first starts
Defensive tackle Tony Jackson and defensive back Derrick Harris made their first career starts Saturday against Alcorn State.
Jackson is a 6-foot-2, 277-pounder out of Chicago, while Harris is a 5-10, 170-pounder out of Stone Mountain, Ga.
Jackson finished with five tackles, including three solos, while Harris was credited with two tackles and a pass breakup.
Mason out for season
Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones said Saturday that starting quarterback Deaunte Mason won't play again this season.
Mason, who started the first five games before suffering a groin injury that forced him to miss two games, tried to play last week against Alabama State, but re-aggravated the injury on the second play of the game and had to leave midway through the second quarter.
He slated to receive an MRI last week, but apparently that won't be done until this week. As a result, Jones has elected to hold Mason out the first of the year.
"As far as I'm concerned he's done for the year," Jones said. "He appears to be getting worse."
Jones said A&M's training staff thought Mason had a pulled groin, but he's requesting an MRI to see if it was actually torn.
Trio suspended
Jones said prior to Saturday's game against Alcorn State that wide receiver Rashad Johnson, offensive lineman Michael Johnson and defensive lineman Joey Howard had been suspended for violating team rules.
Jones refused to go into details concerning the suspensions, but sources indicate that the trio had missed practice some this week. Rashad Johnson and Michael Johnson are both fifth-year seniors, while Howard is a redshirt junior.
Rashad Johnson entered the game as A&M's leading receiver with 29 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Michael Johnson and Howard have both played sparingly during their careers.
When asked if they will be reinstated, Jones said, "I have no idea. If they do what they're supposed to do ... yet. If they don't ... no."
Two former A&M coaches on Alcorn State staff
A pair of former Alabama A&M assistants are on staff at Alcorn State.
Michael Armour, who served as quarterbacks coach under former A&M coach Ron Cooper in 1998, is the Braves' offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, while Williard Scissum, who played at Lee High School and went on to play at Alabama, is Alcorn State's offensive line coach.
