Andrew Body Leads Alabama State’s Explosive 56–13 Victory Over Alabama A&M
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama State University Hornets dominated from start to finish in the 84th Magic City Classic, defeating rival Alabama A&M University 56–13 in front of a roaring crowd at Legion Field.
Junior quarterback Andrew Body was the star of the day, leading Alabama State’s explosive offense with six total touchdowns and a commanding performance that secured the Hornets’ fourth consecutive Classic victory under Head Coach Eddie Robinson Jr.
Body’s Brilliant Showcase
Body completed 19 of 24 passes for 304 yards and five touchdowns, all before halftime, and added 66 rushing yards along with a 4-yard touchdown run to close out a nearly flawless first half.
He distributed the ball with precision, connecting for two touchdowns apiece with Dylan Creech (5 and 16 yards) and Marcus Harris II (17 and 8 yards), while Dylan Djete added an 18-yard score.
Moments before halftime, Birmingham native Jalen Jones hauled in a 59-yard touchdown, sending the Hornet faithful into a frenzy. Jones finished the night with seven receptions for 156 yards, earning Offensive MVP honors.
Resilience and Redemption
The Hornets bounced back from a tough loss to Jackson State two weeks earlier. Robinson said his players took the challenge personally.
“We showed them a video of Mike Tyson,” Robinson said. “When you face adversity, you’ve got to come back as a monster — and that’s how they played.”
Alabama State piled up 616 total yards, including 303 on the ground, with Jahbari Kuykendall rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Four Straight and Counting
The victory extended Robinson Jr.’s perfect 4–0 record in the Magic City Classic — a legacy not lost on his players.
“I tell my older guys, ‘You can go four years and never have lost a Magic City Classic,’” Robinson said. “That’s a tremendous feat, and I’m proud our seniors can leave with that.”
Jones added, “We knew how much it meant to Coach and to this city. Getting him to 4–0 was our goal.”
For first-time Classic participants like linebacker Jalil Lenore, the experience was unforgettable. “It exceeded my expectations,” he said. “It’s a magical, one-of-a-kind experience.”
Looking Ahead
With the win, Alabama State (5–2, 3–1 SWAC) remains firmly in the hunt for the SWAC East Division title, while Alabama A&M (4–4, 1–3 SWAC) looks to regroup for its next outing.
For Hornet Nation, the 84th Magic City Classic wasn’t just a game — it was a statement of dominance, legacy, and HBCU pride.