GAME NOTES

BIRMINGHAM — When posed the question, Connell Maynor did not hesitate with his response.

Does the Magic City Classic live up to its reputation?

"It's everything people say it is, plus way more," the second-year Alabama A&M football coach said.

Maynor experienced his first Magic City Classic a year ago with a win. Now his sights are set on an encore.

Alabama A&M plays rival Alabama State Saturday afternoon at Birmingham's Legion Field in the 78^th Magic City Classic. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

"There is not another Classic like the Magic City Classic," Maynor said. "When people talk about 'the Classic,' this is one they're referencing. There's nothing else in college football like it."

Maynor is correct.

The Magic City Classic is unique.

Football fans from across the country make the trek to Birmingham for the Magic City Classic and the numerous activities surrounding the event. It essentially is a week-long celebration.

The most significant event, however, is the football game.

The latest chapter in this long-running in-state rivalry is a high-stakes affair.

Alabama A&M (4-3, 1-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference) and Alabama State (2-4, 2-1) both enter the Magic City Classic in contention for a spot in the conference title game.

The team that losses the Classic, however, likely has its championship aspirations derailed.

"Both teams control their own destiny," Maynor said. "That just adds to the magnitude of this game."

Alabama A&M enters the game with the SWAC's top passing offense. The Bulldogs are ranked 19^th in the Football Championship Subdivision in total offense (450.4 yards per game) and 17^th in passing offense (301 yards per game).

Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass is ranked 10^th in the FCS with 19 passing touchdowns, and he is 11^th in passing with 2,062 yards, which is 822 yards shy of tying the program's single-season record set by Tracy Kendall in 1989.

Senior running back Jordan Bentley also is ranked 16^th in the FCS with nine rushing touchdowns, and he is 22^nd in rushing with 662 yards.

Alabama State enters the game with the SWAC's top passing defense, holding opponents to 146.2 passing yards per game.

"They've got a good team," Bentley said. "Coming into the game, you know it's going to be physical. It's always physical when you play those guys.

"We're excited about the opportunity, and you know they're feeling the same way. In a rivalry game like this, where there is so much emotion involved, you're going to get the best from both teams. But that's what makes the Classic great. There's nothing else like it."