Campus Clash
Southern Jaguars at Jackson State Tigers
Southern: They’ve been rolling in their last four games as they’ve been victorious in each of those contests. What’s made them stand out is how they push the football up and down the field. Scoring points has been far from an issue for them as they’ve averaged 40 points per game. I know I might sound like a broken record player when I say it, but it’s good to know some football teams pride themselves on still establishing the ground game and this Southern Jaguars team does just that. They are a very rush heavy offense with a 63-37 rush/pass play selection split. This is what I like seeing, offenses that aren’t too one dimensional. It appears I say this each week whether it’s through the airwaves on or this website, balance is still key in the game of football today and it keeps a defense honest. If they attempt to limit what it is you do best, you can attack them with another aspect of your offense. I’m watching Besean McCray, the starting Quarterback. He threw for 286 yards and a pair of touchdowns in their last game which was a win over Virginia Lynchburg. On the other side of the football, the Jaguars defense hasn’t been too bad either. On the year, they’ve allowed 18 points per contest. This Saturday, they will make a trip to face Jackson State.
Jackson State: I am so proud of what Deion Sanders has done for this program and HBCU sports in general. It’s amazing how he’s transcended the scene with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With his name, personality and the legend he’s become, Prime could’ve taken any job that had an opening and kids would’ve migrated there to him. Instead, he gets hired at Jackson State and the rest is history. Here’s more information for you. Some of the biggest names ever to play our sport have attended HBCU’s. Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, Mel Blount, Michael Strahan and Shannon Sharpe to name a few. All those men own gold jackets and are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This Tigers offense is the best in their conference. They’re a very pass heavy group that throws the ball on 55 percent of their play calls and 45 percent, they run the ball. The Tigers average 46 points per game. This offense is led by Prime’s son, Shedeur. They truly go as far as he takes them. He plays with such poise and confidence to be so young. This entire team has been so dominant on both sides of the football. On the other side, they’ve held opposing offenses to 190 yards per game. Talk about establishing yourself at the line of scrimmage. They come back home Saturday for a rivalry showdown.
Southern X-Factor: Cassius Allen– They are one of the best receiving teams in the SWAC and Cassius is a reason why. He’s a 6’4 receiver with the ability to go up and get the football. I love his first step off the snap of the ball. He already creates mismatches on defensive backs. Cassius is also quick. Yes, the speedy and shifty receivers are great, but you can’t waste a big target, especially when you have him. Feed him the football!
Jackson State X-Factor: Sy’Veon Wilkerson– He left Delaware State to go play for Coach Prime. Sy’Veon is a downhill runner with excellent vision to shift himself to where he wants to be. He’s a tough runner that can take would be tacklers into the open field or the end zone with him. Sy’Veon wants to run up the middle and get those hard-fought yards. He doesn’t want to always be cute and cut on a dime. Initiate contact and go from there!
Final Thoughts: I am so honored to preview an HBCU football game. College GameDay will also be here in Jackson for this rivalry game. Both these offenses can score with the swiftness, and I expect the ball to fly around in this game. This is a Jaguars offense that will use a ton of tempo and no huddle to throw off this stingy defense. Never allow a good defense to get set. Make them gasp for air and take a knee. Can Southern get pressure on Shedeur? You just can’t allow a Quarterback to sit back in the pocket and pick you apart. Make him uncomfortable and make him throw on the run. There’s nothing like a rivalry game.
Prediction: Jackson State 45, Southern 35
