It was a dress rehearsal – the second practice game of fall camp – but the first in front of fans at the annual Buzz Fest. It was an important step for the Hornets as they prepare to open their season on Sept. 1 against North Carolina Central University in the Orange Blossom Classic.

The practice began with the team practicing the new dynamic kickoff approved by the NFL for the 2024 season. Originally derived from the XFL’s kickoff system, there’s no doubt that the college world will be next to be affected by the potential change. And the Hornets are always one step ahead of the development.

Here are quick observations from the Hornets’ practice game:

• The Hornets defense dominated practice, winning 27-10 and allowing only one touchdown.
• Quarterback Andrew Body was dressed but did not play. Jonah O’Brien, Zach Simms, Jayvious Langford and James Hayes.
• O’Brien led the Hornets offense to its first point of the series, scoring a 30-yard touchdown on a screen pass to Daquon Kincey.
• Ashton Ashford, Jamarie Hotclaw, Marus Harris II, Aj Gates and Nick Williams received the majority of snaps as running backs, making for a hard-fought battle for the positions.
• Alabama State’s defense forced two turnovers when Ta’Shaun Simms intercepted a pass from Zach Simms and Twillie Lovett recovered a blocked field goal attempt.
• Tight end Asa Gregg was consistent, catching a few balls in crucial third-down situations, and was a reliable target for all quarterbacks under center on Saturday.
• The offensive line struggled a bit, incurring a few pre-snap penalties and botching the snap several times throughout the game. The overhead snaps resulted in several three-and-outs, as the Hornets offense didn’t score another point until the final quarter of the practice game.
• O’Brien led the final drive of the game for the Hornets offense. A huge run by Gates put the Hornets in the redzone. However, O’Brien was unable to reach his goal in the endzone as he was defended by cornerback James Burgess. The Hornets missed the field goal as time expired, giving the defense the win.