When the Troy Trojans host Alcorn State Saturday in their home opener, the Red Wave will encompass Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.

Troy University will honor the 1968 Red Wave football team on the 40th anniversary of its NAIA National Championship at halftime Saturday.

“It is a great time to have a reunion,” Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said. “We have learned how to have a good time around the game. Our people love tailgating and this reunion should be a fun time.”

Reunions aside, Blakeney said the Trojans are ready to get back on the field after what will be a 16-day layoff at kickoff. Troy’s Sept. 6 game in Baton Rouge against the LSU Tigers was postponed because of the effects of Hurricane Gustav, so the Trojans have not played in a game since their season opening win at Middle Tennessee Aug. 28.

“We are looking forward to playing,” Blakeney said. “It is hard to stay sharp if you don’t play in a while. But the best thing we can do is worry about taking care of Troy. We will give the players a plan, but we need to make sure we do the best to get ourselves ready.”

But the next wave of bad weather could pose a problem Saturday. Hurricane Ike is threatening this area now.

“It looks like we hopefully, knock on wood, will get to play,” Blakeney said. “I am normally a basic network guy, but the Weather Channel has been my No. 1 look recently.”

Troy quarterback Jamie Hampton also can’t wait to get back out on the field. He will make his first home start as the Trojans quarterback Saturday.

“I have looked forward to playing in front of the home crowd,” Hampton said. “I can’t wait for the opportunity to show our fans what we can do. Hopefully we can win convincingly and show some people what Troy is all about.”

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.