Alabama State’s not pressing the panic button at all.

But Hornets coach Reggie Barlow is pushing a few points of concern to his players, following the Hornets’ 24-21 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff this past Thursday, a game which was aired live on ESPNU.

Specifically, Barlow stressed defense during the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s weekly coaches teleconference Monday.

The Hornets have allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of its four games this season. Pine Bluff gained 466 yards against the Hornets, including 246 on the ground.

“Our defense is not performing up to our expectations,” Barlow said. There ain’t a whole lot of good tackling going on. There’s guys running free, running backs not being touched until they’re at least five yards down the field. So, there are some things that we definitely have to clean up.”

Alabama State (2-2, 2-1) will travel to Lorman, Miss. to face Alcorn St. (1-3, 1-1) Saturday. The Braves are on a three-game skid since defeating Grambling State 22-21 in their opener. They fell 56-0 at Arkansas State in their Week 4 matchup.  read more…