A&T Brandmasta
Blue Death Family
We only need Bell to be delusional for one more week. 
What was everybody saying about Kent's senior season a few years back?
What was everybody saying about Kent's senior season a few years back?
JSU Notes
- Thread starter Blacknbengal
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Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Lesson is simple: Don't turn ball over
Lesson is simple: Don't turn ball over
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State has lost two straight games to North Carolina A&T.
It hasn't been for lack of offense.
The Tigers lost 42-35 in Atlanta two years ago and 42-36 last year in Greensboro, despite the fact that they outgained the Aggies 1,305 to 575 yards in those two games combined.
The culprit? Turnovers.
JSU turned the ball over 14 times in those two games, including eight in last year's game in which JSU rolled up 742 yards. Seven of those came in the first 40 minutes as the Tigers fell behind by 32 points early in the fourth quarter. They then staged a furious comeback that fell short when Robert Kent was picked off inside the North Carolina A&T 25-yard line in the final minute.
Amazingly, Kent threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns ? three to Chris Jones ? in the final 11 minutes as JSU rallied with 26 unanswered points.
"The thing I remember about him (Kent) is he has a lot of heart," North Carolina A&T linebacker Joey Lance said. "Even though they were down, he just kept fighting. If he runs out of the pocket, you better get on your horse, because he can move, too. He's dangerous all over the field."
DELOATCH RETURNS: For the second straight week, JSU will face a dangerous return man in North Carolina A&T's Curtis Deloatch. Two years ago, Deloatch set a Division I-AA record with five punt returns for touchdowns, including a 79-yarder against JSU. Deloatch, an All-MEAC selection who doubles as a cornerback, also had a 61-yard interception return in that game.
Deloatch missed last year's JSU game after injuring a knee in the Aggies' season opener against North Carolina Central.
"He made some really big plays when we played them in Atlanta," Kent said.
CONNECTIONS: First-year North Carolina A&T coach George Small worked with second-year JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson while the two were at Langston.
Lesson is simple: Don't turn ball over
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State has lost two straight games to North Carolina A&T.
It hasn't been for lack of offense.
The Tigers lost 42-35 in Atlanta two years ago and 42-36 last year in Greensboro, despite the fact that they outgained the Aggies 1,305 to 575 yards in those two games combined.
The culprit? Turnovers.
JSU turned the ball over 14 times in those two games, including eight in last year's game in which JSU rolled up 742 yards. Seven of those came in the first 40 minutes as the Tigers fell behind by 32 points early in the fourth quarter. They then staged a furious comeback that fell short when Robert Kent was picked off inside the North Carolina A&T 25-yard line in the final minute.
Amazingly, Kent threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns ? three to Chris Jones ? in the final 11 minutes as JSU rallied with 26 unanswered points.
"The thing I remember about him (Kent) is he has a lot of heart," North Carolina A&T linebacker Joey Lance said. "Even though they were down, he just kept fighting. If he runs out of the pocket, you better get on your horse, because he can move, too. He's dangerous all over the field."
DELOATCH RETURNS: For the second straight week, JSU will face a dangerous return man in North Carolina A&T's Curtis Deloatch. Two years ago, Deloatch set a Division I-AA record with five punt returns for touchdowns, including a 79-yarder against JSU. Deloatch, an All-MEAC selection who doubles as a cornerback, also had a 61-yard interception return in that game.
Deloatch missed last year's JSU game after injuring a knee in the Aggies' season opener against North Carolina Central.
"He made some really big plays when we played them in Atlanta," Kent said.
CONNECTIONS: First-year North Carolina A&T coach George Small worked with second-year JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson while the two were at Langston.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Jackson State offense sputters through OT loss
Jackson State offense sputters through OT loss
Tiger kicker misses shot; N.C. A&T hits 22-yard winner
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State's three-year contract with North Carolina A&T ran out Saturday night.
It's probably a good thing.
Placekicker Yonnick Matthews booted a 22-yard field goal in overtime to lift North Carolina A&T to a not-so-thrilling 10-7 victory over JSU at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
It was the Aggies' third straight win over the Tigers, who dropped to 0-2 under first-year coach James Bell.
Matthews' game-winner came minutes after JSU placekicker Ashcher Ashley missed a 30-yard field goal on the Tigers' first possession of overtime.
North Carolina A&T's players and coaches quickly rushed to midfield to celebrate, while many of JSU's fell to the turf in disgust.
"I wasn't worried; there really wasn't any pressure because we work on that every day," Matthews said. "It was a chip shot. I just kept my head down and knocked it through."
The game was a stark contrast to the last two games played by JSU and North Carolina A&T, which saw the team's combine for 154 points.
The game was tied 7-7 at the end of regulation as JSU's offense was held scoreless over the final three quarters and the overtime period. The Tigers' offense, which ranked No. 1 in Division I-AA in total offense a year ago, has produced just two touchdowns in the first two games.
Some of the 11,157 in attendance voiced their displeasure by booing on a handful of occasions in the second half. The first chorus of boos came midway through the third quarter when running back David Kennebrew was stopped for a 2-yard gain up the middle on 3rd-and-5.
JSU compiled 283 yards of total offense ? 173 passing on 26 attempts, and 110 rushing on 40 attempts ? as Bell remained steadfast in his effort to become a more balanced team on offense.
"I'm going to continue to do the same thing, period," Bell said. "It's not the play-calling, it's the execution. We just didn't execute, and execution wins games. We're still on first base, trying to make it to second. We're still waiting to get that base hit.
"We had several opportunities to win the game, we just didn't make the plays. It was a 7-7 game, and what it boiled down to was they made the last couple of plays."
JSU's defense pitched a shutout until Matthews' kick, stopping North Carolina A&T on 13 straight possessions. The Aggies' lone touchdown came on a 31-yard interception return by Herbert Dixon in the third quarter.
That was one of two interceptions thrown by JSU quarterback Robert Kent, who completed 11 of 26 passes for 173 yards. The other came early in the fourth quarter at the North Carolina A&T 6-yard line, putting an end to a potential go-ahead scoring drive.
"We have to be able to score more than seven points on offense," JSU defensive tackle Deon Deboise said. "I thought the defense played great, we can't carry the load by ourselves. That's the second week in a row we only scored seven points.
North Carolina A&T finished 4-8 overall last season and was picked sixth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason poll.
"This one hurts," Deboise said. "But we've still got a lot of confidence. We haven't made it to the SWAC yet."
Said linebacker Marion Mark: "We've got to keep our heads up and get ready to play our next game against Tennessee State."
JSU running back Dayton Alexander, who combined with David Kennebrew to rush for 115 yards, staked JSU to a 7-0 lead with a 15-yard scoring run with 1:21 remaining in the first quarter.
The score was set up by an interception by linebacker Vincent Dancy at the North Carolina A&T 20-yard line.
North Carolina A&T tied it 7-7 with 9:06 remaining in the third quarter when Dixon picked off Kent's pass intended for tight end Courtney Rogers in the flat and raced untouched into the endzone.
JSU got the ball back on it's own 39-yard line with 2:17 left. Five plays later, Kent was sacked for a big loss on a 4th-and-5 play at the Aggies 40-yard line.
"Our team showed a lot of poise and character," North Carolina A&T coach George Small said. "We knew we had to play the run first. That was Plan A. We knew Coach Bell wasn't going to change his beliefs. We did have a Plan B ... to be prepared in case they started passing."
Jackson State offense sputters through OT loss
Tiger kicker misses shot; N.C. A&T hits 22-yard winner
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State's three-year contract with North Carolina A&T ran out Saturday night.
It's probably a good thing.
Placekicker Yonnick Matthews booted a 22-yard field goal in overtime to lift North Carolina A&T to a not-so-thrilling 10-7 victory over JSU at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
It was the Aggies' third straight win over the Tigers, who dropped to 0-2 under first-year coach James Bell.
Matthews' game-winner came minutes after JSU placekicker Ashcher Ashley missed a 30-yard field goal on the Tigers' first possession of overtime.
North Carolina A&T's players and coaches quickly rushed to midfield to celebrate, while many of JSU's fell to the turf in disgust.
"I wasn't worried; there really wasn't any pressure because we work on that every day," Matthews said. "It was a chip shot. I just kept my head down and knocked it through."
The game was a stark contrast to the last two games played by JSU and North Carolina A&T, which saw the team's combine for 154 points.
The game was tied 7-7 at the end of regulation as JSU's offense was held scoreless over the final three quarters and the overtime period. The Tigers' offense, which ranked No. 1 in Division I-AA in total offense a year ago, has produced just two touchdowns in the first two games.
Some of the 11,157 in attendance voiced their displeasure by booing on a handful of occasions in the second half. The first chorus of boos came midway through the third quarter when running back David Kennebrew was stopped for a 2-yard gain up the middle on 3rd-and-5.
JSU compiled 283 yards of total offense ? 173 passing on 26 attempts, and 110 rushing on 40 attempts ? as Bell remained steadfast in his effort to become a more balanced team on offense.
"I'm going to continue to do the same thing, period," Bell said. "It's not the play-calling, it's the execution. We just didn't execute, and execution wins games. We're still on first base, trying to make it to second. We're still waiting to get that base hit.
"We had several opportunities to win the game, we just didn't make the plays. It was a 7-7 game, and what it boiled down to was they made the last couple of plays."
JSU's defense pitched a shutout until Matthews' kick, stopping North Carolina A&T on 13 straight possessions. The Aggies' lone touchdown came on a 31-yard interception return by Herbert Dixon in the third quarter.
That was one of two interceptions thrown by JSU quarterback Robert Kent, who completed 11 of 26 passes for 173 yards. The other came early in the fourth quarter at the North Carolina A&T 6-yard line, putting an end to a potential go-ahead scoring drive.
"We have to be able to score more than seven points on offense," JSU defensive tackle Deon Deboise said. "I thought the defense played great, we can't carry the load by ourselves. That's the second week in a row we only scored seven points.
North Carolina A&T finished 4-8 overall last season and was picked sixth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason poll.
"This one hurts," Deboise said. "But we've still got a lot of confidence. We haven't made it to the SWAC yet."
Said linebacker Marion Mark: "We've got to keep our heads up and get ready to play our next game against Tennessee State."
JSU running back Dayton Alexander, who combined with David Kennebrew to rush for 115 yards, staked JSU to a 7-0 lead with a 15-yard scoring run with 1:21 remaining in the first quarter.
The score was set up by an interception by linebacker Vincent Dancy at the North Carolina A&T 20-yard line.
North Carolina A&T tied it 7-7 with 9:06 remaining in the third quarter when Dixon picked off Kent's pass intended for tight end Courtney Rogers in the flat and raced untouched into the endzone.
JSU got the ball back on it's own 39-yard line with 2:17 left. Five plays later, Kent was sacked for a big loss on a 4th-and-5 play at the Aggies 40-yard line.
"Our team showed a lot of poise and character," North Carolina A&T coach George Small said. "We knew we had to play the run first. That was Plan A. We knew Coach Bell wasn't going to change his beliefs. We did have a Plan B ... to be prepared in case they started passing."
A&T Brandmasta
Blue Death Family
Yall can go back to your passing attack now....Originally posted by A&T Brandmasta
We only need Bell to be delusional for one more week.
What was everybody saying about Kent's senior season a few years back?
The season aint a wash yet. Kent's NFL stock hasnt completely gone down the toilet yet. PASS THE DANGED BALL!!
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Deboise lives up to hype vs. A&T
Deboise lives up to hype vs. A&T
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State defensive tackle Deon Deboise was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference defensive player of the week for his performance in the Tigers' 10-7 overtime loss to North Carolina A&T on Saturday.
The 6-foot-1, 290-pound junior from Shuqualak was credited with a career-high 11 tackles ? nine unassisted ? two tackles for losses, one pass deflection and four quarterback hurries.
Deboise, a preseason All-SWAC selection, anchored a defense that allowed just three points. The Aggies' lone touchdown came on a 31-yard interception in the third quarter.
"He's playing like he should be playing at this point in his career," JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson said. "He's too much for one guy to block. If they don't double-team him, he'll be back in the backfield a lot, just like the other night."
UP NEXT: JSU, 0-2, travels to Memphis to take on Tennessee State, 1-1, in the annual Southern Heritage Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
INJURY UPDATE: JSU safety Lamont Woulard, who broke his right thumb in the second quarter Saturday, is scheduled to undergo surgery today. Woulard said Monday he hopes to miss just one game.
"It got caught in the ground," Woulard said. "I thought it was dislocated at first; I was trying to pop it back into place. It was sliding around."
Woulard's replacement, Cleotha Tanner, was credited with two second-half tackles. Backup Anthony Dillon, who replaced safety Marcus Craft, had 8.5 tackles. "I thought those guys came in and did a great job," Johnson said.
Linebacker Joseph Scott (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game. Meanwhile, linebacker James McGowan and cornerback Kentrael Goudy, who missed the North Carolina A&T game because of injuries, are expected to return.
Receiver Torey Ross, cornerback Michael Cooley and offensive linemen Albert Stinson and James Randall sat out Monday's practice nursing undisclosed injuries.
Deboise lives up to hype vs. A&T
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State defensive tackle Deon Deboise was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference defensive player of the week for his performance in the Tigers' 10-7 overtime loss to North Carolina A&T on Saturday.
The 6-foot-1, 290-pound junior from Shuqualak was credited with a career-high 11 tackles ? nine unassisted ? two tackles for losses, one pass deflection and four quarterback hurries.
Deboise, a preseason All-SWAC selection, anchored a defense that allowed just three points. The Aggies' lone touchdown came on a 31-yard interception in the third quarter.
"He's playing like he should be playing at this point in his career," JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson said. "He's too much for one guy to block. If they don't double-team him, he'll be back in the backfield a lot, just like the other night."
UP NEXT: JSU, 0-2, travels to Memphis to take on Tennessee State, 1-1, in the annual Southern Heritage Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
INJURY UPDATE: JSU safety Lamont Woulard, who broke his right thumb in the second quarter Saturday, is scheduled to undergo surgery today. Woulard said Monday he hopes to miss just one game.
"It got caught in the ground," Woulard said. "I thought it was dislocated at first; I was trying to pop it back into place. It was sliding around."
Woulard's replacement, Cleotha Tanner, was credited with two second-half tackles. Backup Anthony Dillon, who replaced safety Marcus Craft, had 8.5 tackles. "I thought those guys came in and did a great job," Johnson said.
Linebacker Joseph Scott (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game. Meanwhile, linebacker James McGowan and cornerback Kentrael Goudy, who missed the North Carolina A&T game because of injuries, are expected to return.
Receiver Torey Ross, cornerback Michael Cooley and offensive linemen Albert Stinson and James Randall sat out Monday's practice nursing undisclosed injuries.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Controversy going deep
Controversy going deep
Kent says 'things are going to change'
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
One day after Jackson State's football players called a team meeting with first-year coach James Bell to voice their concerns associated with an 0-2 start, both parties appeared to be on good terms.
J.D. Schwalm / The Clarion-Ledger
First-year Jackson State head football coach James Bell has had to answer a lot of tough questions as his Tigers have gotten off to an uncharacteristic 0-2 start. The offense ? or lack of it ? has been a major topic of conversation among the fans and players.
Or at least working toward it.
"Everything's fine," Bell told a group of reporters before Tuesday's practice. "We had a tough loss. We're all disgusted. But we had a good practice (Monday) and we're going to have a good practice (Tuesday). Just because you lose everybody else feels like something's wrong. Nothing's wrong."
Said JSU quarterback Robert Kent: "Some of us are a little frustrated, that's all. But things are going to change. Coach Bell is a smart guy. He knows what's best for the team and for the program. You just have to go with what's going on. When things change you have to adapt. You have to roll."
JSU has been on anything but a roll in its first two games. The Tigers lost their season-opener at nationally-ranked Northwestern (La.) State then lost at home to North Carolina A&T.
The once high-powered offense has produced just 14 points and 448 yards in those two games as Bell's new-look, more conservative offense has yet to take hold. Fans and players alike want answers as to why the Tigers are running the ball more and passing less.
Hence, Monday's meeting.
"We've talked to Coach Bell and explained some of our concerns," Kent said. "The past couple of games we probably haven't thrown maybe four or five deep balls. We know we have to pressure people deep to keep them honest enough to run the ball.
J.D. Schwalm / The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson State receiver Tim Manning answers questions from the media prior to the start of practice Tuesday afternoon.
"It's a new system, and we're still getting used to it. I'm sure the fans are unhappy; they don't want to come out to see a loser. What we have to do is go out there and put it all together. We've got to get the offense rolling, and get the defense rolling."
Bell says he will continue to have an open door policy with his players. And that, not any perceived crisis, had more to do with Monday's meeting than anything else.
"My players communicate with me," he said. "If they've got something they want to talk with me about, I'm going to listen."
Bell says his main focus now is getting his team prepared and focused for Saturday night's Southern Heritage Classic against Tennessee State in Memphis.
"I'm going to make sure to keep my team upbeat, that's the biggest thing," Bell said. "We're all family here. . . the players, the coaches, the managers, the trainers. . . everybody involved. We're all family. We stick together, and we're going to continue to do that.
"It's like I tell them, we're going to have ups and downs and we're going to have pressure. That's part of life. We're going to have to rise up above that pressure."
As for the offense?
"The players say, 'Coach, when are we going to open it up a little more,'" Bell said. "I say we will when we're more confident, more secure with our blocking patterns. We'll continue to open it up more as we go. They believe that, and every week we've shown that."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The JSU game
Jackson State vs. Tennessee State
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bowl, Memphis
Records: JSU, 0-2; TSU, 1-1
TV: BET
Radio: JSU network, WYJS-105.9 FM in Jackson
Tickets: Available, 601 979-2420.
Controversy going deep
Kent says 'things are going to change'
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
One day after Jackson State's football players called a team meeting with first-year coach James Bell to voice their concerns associated with an 0-2 start, both parties appeared to be on good terms.
J.D. Schwalm / The Clarion-Ledger
First-year Jackson State head football coach James Bell has had to answer a lot of tough questions as his Tigers have gotten off to an uncharacteristic 0-2 start. The offense ? or lack of it ? has been a major topic of conversation among the fans and players.
Or at least working toward it.
"Everything's fine," Bell told a group of reporters before Tuesday's practice. "We had a tough loss. We're all disgusted. But we had a good practice (Monday) and we're going to have a good practice (Tuesday). Just because you lose everybody else feels like something's wrong. Nothing's wrong."
Said JSU quarterback Robert Kent: "Some of us are a little frustrated, that's all. But things are going to change. Coach Bell is a smart guy. He knows what's best for the team and for the program. You just have to go with what's going on. When things change you have to adapt. You have to roll."
JSU has been on anything but a roll in its first two games. The Tigers lost their season-opener at nationally-ranked Northwestern (La.) State then lost at home to North Carolina A&T.
The once high-powered offense has produced just 14 points and 448 yards in those two games as Bell's new-look, more conservative offense has yet to take hold. Fans and players alike want answers as to why the Tigers are running the ball more and passing less.
Hence, Monday's meeting.
"We've talked to Coach Bell and explained some of our concerns," Kent said. "The past couple of games we probably haven't thrown maybe four or five deep balls. We know we have to pressure people deep to keep them honest enough to run the ball.
J.D. Schwalm / The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson State receiver Tim Manning answers questions from the media prior to the start of practice Tuesday afternoon.
"It's a new system, and we're still getting used to it. I'm sure the fans are unhappy; they don't want to come out to see a loser. What we have to do is go out there and put it all together. We've got to get the offense rolling, and get the defense rolling."
Bell says he will continue to have an open door policy with his players. And that, not any perceived crisis, had more to do with Monday's meeting than anything else.
"My players communicate with me," he said. "If they've got something they want to talk with me about, I'm going to listen."
Bell says his main focus now is getting his team prepared and focused for Saturday night's Southern Heritage Classic against Tennessee State in Memphis.
"I'm going to make sure to keep my team upbeat, that's the biggest thing," Bell said. "We're all family here. . . the players, the coaches, the managers, the trainers. . . everybody involved. We're all family. We stick together, and we're going to continue to do that.
"It's like I tell them, we're going to have ups and downs and we're going to have pressure. That's part of life. We're going to have to rise up above that pressure."
As for the offense?
"The players say, 'Coach, when are we going to open it up a little more,'" Bell said. "I say we will when we're more confident, more secure with our blocking patterns. We'll continue to open it up more as we go. They believe that, and every week we've shown that."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The JSU game
Jackson State vs. Tennessee State
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bowl, Memphis
Records: JSU, 0-2; TSU, 1-1
TV: BET
Radio: JSU network, WYJS-105.9 FM in Jackson
Tickets: Available, 601 979-2420.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Honeymoon over for Bell after 2 games
Honeymoon over for Bell after 2 games
By Rick Cleveland
[email protected]
JACKSON State offensive players aren't happy because they believe the Tigers don't throw the ball nearly enough.
JSU defensive players aren't happy because they have played well in two straight games and the team has lost.
Jackson State fans aren't happy because the Tigers aren't throwing down the field much and aren't winning at all.
The media isn't particularly happy because Robert Kent, the Tigers' star quarterback, wasn't made available to answer questions after last Saturday night's 10-7 overtime loss to North Carolina A&T.
For Jackson State players, coaches and fans, this is the autumn of their discontent. Perhaps the shortest honeymoon in the history of coaching honeymoons is officially over for James Bell. It lasted all of two games.
So, who is happy?
The guess here is that former coach Robert Hughes, who was fired after three straight seven-victory seasons, might have cracked a smile or two this week.
The JSU football situation appeared to be reaching a crisis point Monday afternoon when unhappy players called a meeting with coaches to air grievances.
Nobody wanted to comment on exactly what was said, but insiders whisper that players talked and coaches listened. And then Bell essentially said that while he appreciated their input, he's the boss and will continue to do it his way.
A day later, both coaches and players said there is no crisis, that everybody is together and focused on winning Saturday against Tennessee State.
"Everything's fine," Bell said. "Players are always disgusted when they lose."
"Coach Bell's a smart guy; he'll do what we need to do to win. It's his livelihood," said Kent, who was available to the media Tuesday.
Funny thing: Kent, a senior All America candidate and potential NFL draft choice, was asked if he could remember the last time he wasn't interviewed after a game. "No, I can't," he answered. "I was kind of surprised about that. I guess nobody wanted to talk to me."
"Oh yes we did," several TV and newspaper reporters said in unison.
To which Kent, obviously surprised, said, "I didn't know about that."
Bell's way of doing things includes deciding which players can talk to the media after games. Reporters request certain players (and being creatures of habit we will always ask for the record-setting star quarterback). Saturday night, Bell walked off the field scratching several names, including Kent's, off the list of requests.
Time will tell if Bell's more conservative offensive approach is a mistake or not. But know this: Making Kent unavailable to the media is a huge mistake.
Kent's a senior. He's an intelligent, well-spoken guy. If you can't trust him, who can you trust?
Jackson State fans and officials have long clamored for more media attention. Well, then, let us do our jobs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Much of Bell's way will be good for Jackson State. His practices are crisp and organized. Much attention is paid to detail. He stresses fundamentals, blocking, tackling and quarterback mechanics. He stresses the kicking game.
And, yes, he stresses the running game, perhaps, in the case of this JSU team, to a fault.
Kent has passed for 9,524 yards and 85 touchdowns over three previous seasons. His specialty has been the deep ball. This season, he has thrown for one touchdown through two games. He hasn't thrown a so-called "bomb" yet.
Clearly, Kent is Jackson State's best weapon. What's more, the Tigers return a bevy of outstanding receivers, including senior Tim Manning and last year's SWAC Freshman of the Year Torey Ross.
Jackson State led the SWAC in rushing last season, but lost its two top running backs and three key linemen.
So, to sum up: The best throwing quarterback in school history and several top receivers are back; the top runners are gone. Yet, JSU has gone from a pass-first, run-second team to a run-first, pass-second team. Seems to me, the Tigers' running game would benefit from stretching the field, making opposing safeties fear the deep pass.
Bell says Jackson State will "continue to open up" the offense as the young offensive line becomes more proficient in blocking.
We shall see.
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There have been many good coaches who have won by being bullish on their systems. For those coaches, the players must adapt, because the coach is going to do it his way.
But the greatest coaches are able to adapt their styles to the talent available. Bear Bryant, for instance, won national championships with wishbone running and with pocket passing.
As Jake Gaither put it, Bear could take his'n and beat your'n or take your'n and beat his'n. In other words, he'd find a way to win, no matter what type players he had.
There's a simpler way of putting it: If you've got a cannon, shoot the darn thing.
James Bell inherited a cannon. His name is Robert Kent. Let him fire.
Honeymoon over for Bell after 2 games
By Rick Cleveland
[email protected]
JACKSON State offensive players aren't happy because they believe the Tigers don't throw the ball nearly enough.
JSU defensive players aren't happy because they have played well in two straight games and the team has lost.
Jackson State fans aren't happy because the Tigers aren't throwing down the field much and aren't winning at all.
The media isn't particularly happy because Robert Kent, the Tigers' star quarterback, wasn't made available to answer questions after last Saturday night's 10-7 overtime loss to North Carolina A&T.
For Jackson State players, coaches and fans, this is the autumn of their discontent. Perhaps the shortest honeymoon in the history of coaching honeymoons is officially over for James Bell. It lasted all of two games.
So, who is happy?
The guess here is that former coach Robert Hughes, who was fired after three straight seven-victory seasons, might have cracked a smile or two this week.
The JSU football situation appeared to be reaching a crisis point Monday afternoon when unhappy players called a meeting with coaches to air grievances.
Nobody wanted to comment on exactly what was said, but insiders whisper that players talked and coaches listened. And then Bell essentially said that while he appreciated their input, he's the boss and will continue to do it his way.
A day later, both coaches and players said there is no crisis, that everybody is together and focused on winning Saturday against Tennessee State.
"Everything's fine," Bell said. "Players are always disgusted when they lose."
"Coach Bell's a smart guy; he'll do what we need to do to win. It's his livelihood," said Kent, who was available to the media Tuesday.
Funny thing: Kent, a senior All America candidate and potential NFL draft choice, was asked if he could remember the last time he wasn't interviewed after a game. "No, I can't," he answered. "I was kind of surprised about that. I guess nobody wanted to talk to me."
"Oh yes we did," several TV and newspaper reporters said in unison.
To which Kent, obviously surprised, said, "I didn't know about that."
Bell's way of doing things includes deciding which players can talk to the media after games. Reporters request certain players (and being creatures of habit we will always ask for the record-setting star quarterback). Saturday night, Bell walked off the field scratching several names, including Kent's, off the list of requests.
Time will tell if Bell's more conservative offensive approach is a mistake or not. But know this: Making Kent unavailable to the media is a huge mistake.
Kent's a senior. He's an intelligent, well-spoken guy. If you can't trust him, who can you trust?
Jackson State fans and officials have long clamored for more media attention. Well, then, let us do our jobs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Much of Bell's way will be good for Jackson State. His practices are crisp and organized. Much attention is paid to detail. He stresses fundamentals, blocking, tackling and quarterback mechanics. He stresses the kicking game.
And, yes, he stresses the running game, perhaps, in the case of this JSU team, to a fault.
Kent has passed for 9,524 yards and 85 touchdowns over three previous seasons. His specialty has been the deep ball. This season, he has thrown for one touchdown through two games. He hasn't thrown a so-called "bomb" yet.
Clearly, Kent is Jackson State's best weapon. What's more, the Tigers return a bevy of outstanding receivers, including senior Tim Manning and last year's SWAC Freshman of the Year Torey Ross.
Jackson State led the SWAC in rushing last season, but lost its two top running backs and three key linemen.
So, to sum up: The best throwing quarterback in school history and several top receivers are back; the top runners are gone. Yet, JSU has gone from a pass-first, run-second team to a run-first, pass-second team. Seems to me, the Tigers' running game would benefit from stretching the field, making opposing safeties fear the deep pass.
Bell says Jackson State will "continue to open up" the offense as the young offensive line becomes more proficient in blocking.
We shall see.
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There have been many good coaches who have won by being bullish on their systems. For those coaches, the players must adapt, because the coach is going to do it his way.
But the greatest coaches are able to adapt their styles to the talent available. Bear Bryant, for instance, won national championships with wishbone running and with pocket passing.
As Jake Gaither put it, Bear could take his'n and beat your'n or take your'n and beat his'n. In other words, he'd find a way to win, no matter what type players he had.
There's a simpler way of putting it: If you've got a cannon, shoot the darn thing.
James Bell inherited a cannon. His name is Robert Kent. Let him fire.
BigBlueTiger
Member
I just hope that Bell doesn't come to his senses this week. Run da ball, Run da ball.