Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor plans to take a more active role in the Tigers’ offensive play-calling during their bye week as the program looks to correct problems exposed in a 24-21 loss to Bethune-Cookman.
Taylor on Monday said he intends to review Jackson State’s offensive approach, identify areas for improvement, and find ways to counter opposing defenses that have disrupted the Tigers’ attack.
“Just being a little more involved myself,” said Taylor, who was previously the team’s offensive coordinator and play-caller. “The last couple of years, I’ve been taking a backseat to a lot of the play-calling. I’ve got to be a little more involved with it. And I’m going to do that this week.”
The adjustment comes after Jackson State managed just 244 yards of total offense in Saturday’s loss in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Tigers entered the matchup averaging 450.9 yards per game but struggled to establish the run and protect quarterback Jared Lockhart.
Jackson State finished with 33 net rushing yards on 36 attempts, averaging less than one yard per carry. The Tigers gained 211 yards through the air, leaving them well below their season offensive average of 425 yards per game through eight contests.
Jackson State also struggled to get going early in games, according to Taylor. The JSU coach said the offense needed to get off to quicker starts. Through eight games, the Tigers offense has averaged 12.2 points per first half and scored a total of 18 points in the first half over the last two games.
Taylor said the bye week offers an opportunity to evaluate individual players and examine how opposing defenses have found success against Jackson State.
“I like when we get to a bye week,” Taylor said. “I like to go back and look at all the plays we’ve run and things we can do for each player, the guys that we’re really counting on in these situations.”
He also emphasized the need to develop answers against defensive pressure and coverage schemes that have limited the Tigers’ effectiveness.
“Find ways to attack a lot of pressure, find ways to attack maybe if they’re playing a lot of quarters and things like that,” Taylor said.
Through eight games, Jackson State has averaged 35.6 points and 425 yards of total offense per contest.
The loss to Bethune-Cookman dropped Jackson State to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, leaving the Tigers third in the SWAC East standings.
Jackson State will use its bye week to address its offensive issues before returning home to face Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 7.
