Alcorn State quarterback Xzavier Vaughn has steadily improved in each of his first five appearances, but in Saturday’s 38-28 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the senior took his game to another level.
Vaughn completed 19 of his 26 passes for 217 yards and and touchdowns to go along with 157 rushing yards and a pair of scores.
Those numbers were good enough for Vaughn, a Lincoln (Mo.) transfer, to be named SWAC Player of the Week by the Celebration Bowl.
The Braves offense succeeded at finding a balance of short-yardage completions and downfield explosive plays in the passing game while leaning on the rushing attack that tallied 311 yards against the Golden Lions defense.
Alcorn State head coach Cedric Thomas told reporters on Monday that Vaughn’s performance was continued evidence of early season growth as he attempts to refine his familiarity with the offense and rapport with the game plan now that he’s the starter.
“(Vaughn) he’s just getting better. He getting comfortable,” said Thomas. “Once we made him the official starter, he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder. But the guys have really embraced him. He’s throwing to some (receivers) consistently. He’s got a live arm, and he can make a lot of big-time throws.”
After playing sparingly in the Braves first two games against UAB and Vanderbilt, throwing for a combined 45 yards while completing 48.6 of his passes, has shown signs of growth.
Since then, Vaughn has thrown for at least 200 yards in three of his last four outings, including 255 yards versus Edward Waters in a game in which he accounted for four TDs.
In a loss to McNeese State, Vaughn — though only completed 39 percent of his passes — tallied 331 yards of total offense and two touchdowns.
“It’s been that progression that has entrusted Thomas to ride with Vaughn for the rest of the season because of his tantalizing dual-threat ability,” said Thomas.
The work with offense coordinator Jermaine Gales will be important to Vaughn’s development.
“We know he can run. He’s dynamic with his legs,” said Thomas. “It’s going to come in time when he has to sit in the pocket and be a natural passer. It always takes a little longer when you’re dealing with a lot of different wideouts and just really good defenses in this league (SWAC). He’s starting to settle in.”
