​The wait is over. The questions around how good can this Alabama State football team be start getting answered when the Hornets take to Legion Field for the inaugural Birmingham Classic at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.The Hornets will take on new SWAC coach and NFL Hall of Famer, Marshall Faulk, and his Southern Jaguars in an nonconference Week 0 matchup. The are storylines aplenty in Birmingham. Whether it’s the rematch between Eddie Robinson Jr. and Faulk, how Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body will begin his anticipated return to the field in 2026, or if Ckelby Givens will really make an impact to swing things in favor of Southern.On paper, Alabama State has the upper hand not only because of its roster, but how close Birmingham is to Montgomery. But Southern will be a physical opponent out of the gate, and is sure to give the Hornets a test in adversity.Here’s a deeper dive into Saturday’s contest, with analysis and a score prediction from the Montgomery Advertiser. Alabama State football scouting report: What we’re watching A lot of the offseason hype has been on the offensive side of the ball for Alabama State and rightfully so — it was one of the best in FCS football last season. The return of Body only heightened that excitement. But what about the defense?The Hornets defense wasn’t a bad unit by any means last season, but it wasn’t as dominant as it’s used to being. What kind of impression does Alabama State’s defense make in Week 0? With additions in the transfer portal in the secondary and at linebacker, the Hornets should be an improved unit. Score prediction for Alabama State football vs. Southern Alabama State 38, Southern 17: The Hornets will be too much for the Jaguars in Week 0. Body will throw for three touchdowns while minimizing his incompletions, leading Alabama State to a season-opening win.Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama State football vs Southern predictions, what to watch