Alabama A&M defeats Alabama State in 80th Magic City Classic

The Alabama A&M Bulldogs earned its fourth straight victory over the Alabama State Hornets, 42-28, in the 80^th Annual Magic City Classic game held at Legion Field.

The Magic City Classic was canceled last year due to Covid-19 and eventually moved to the spring. Even though the game was played, Covid-19 restrictions dampened most of the regular activities including no tailgating, no bands and limited fans.

It was finally time for the full resurgence of one of the biggest HBCU games in the nation. The game did not disappoint, as a much bigger crowd than last Spring gathered for a highly entertaining, offensive battle.

After falling 21-7 late in the first half, the Hornets battled back to tie the game at 21 early in the third quarter.

Bulldog quarterback Aqeel Glass responded by putting his team up once again on a 37-yard touchdown pass to Odieu Hiliare. The Bulldogs added another touchdown on a Gary Quarles touchdown run increasing the lead to 35-21 with 7:17 left in the third quarter.

Glass had an amazing game going 20-of-33 passing for 321 yards and four touchdowns. Quarles balanced the air attack as he pounded the ball down the field, rushing for 126 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns.

The Hornets threatened in the fourth quarter on a Ryan Nettles 13-yard touchdown pass to Wallace Corker, narrowing the score 35-28 with 9:15 left in the game.

Nettles finished the game 24-of-38 passing for 243 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.