MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
WHAT A JOKE.
THIS COMMENT HAS NO MERIT.
JSU's article from Clarion Ledger
- Thread starter Blacknbengal
- Start date
WHAT A JOKE.
THIS COMMENT HAS NO MERIT.
Robber
Consigliere
Why does it have no merit??? YOUR OWN coach said that JSU and SU SET THE STANDARD!!! Look man, in the here and now, Gram is at the top, being 2 time defending champs. But not long ago, this was a 2 horse race. SU went nearly 4 years without losing a SWAC game. In that same span, SU was the only team to beat JSU. The article is simply speaking to this FACT.Originally posted by MACHIAVELLI
WHAT A JOKE.
OK, lets be real for the moment. What exactly is the standard that you (JSU) and SU have set other than attendance?...which I will give you credit for. What is the standard?
I can't speak for the others schools, but I can tell you now, we haven't made any improvements to our athletic facilities since Doug took over. Yeah, we had a new support facility built, but because of the facility we lost a practice field. And I am sure that nobody came to Gram just because we got a new support facility for the stadium.
The major difference for us has been coaching. Facilities have nothing to do with our success.
Now I realize that Doug made this statement, but the one thing we (the Cartel) have found out first hand about Doug is that he is always going to be positive to the media when talking about other teams.
MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
MY POINT EXACTLY
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Tigers hope for carryover from what they did to Jaguars
JSU defense hits stride with domination in dome
Tigers hope for carryover from what they did to Jaguars
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State's defense isn't overly big. It isn't overly fast.
Experienced? Hardly. First-year defensive coordinator Greg Johnson has gone with as many as seven first-year starters at times.
Not that anybody will notice any of the above if Johnson's bunch keeps playing like it did in JSU's 36-14 victory over Southern Saturday in the Superdome.
The Tigers' D limited the Jaguars to a season-low 158 yards and 10 first downs and gave up just one touchdown as JSU won its Southwestern Athletic Conference opener.
Linebacker Elgin Andrews also recovered two fumbles, the first of which set up JSU's first touchdown.
"That's by far the best they've played," Johnson said. "It was a total team effort. It was our fourth game so it was time for us to jell. And we couldn't have picked a better time than in our first SWAC game."
Defensive linemen Bobby Mayes, Llvee Archie and Deon Deboise wreaked havoc against Southern's injury-riddled offensive line and the secondary and linebackers did a good job of mixing up and disguising pass coverage throughout. Southern's lone offensive touchdown came after the second of the Tigers' five first-half fumbles handed the Jaguars the ball at the JSU 36-yard line.
Even on that scoring play, JSU was a fingertip away from batting the pass down. Southern's Chris Davis, who ran a deep slant route, was able to catch Quincy Richard's pass between cornerback Michael Cooley and safety Lamont Woulard, who miss-timed his jump as he attempted to bat down the ball.
Richard and backup Anthony Fisher combined to complete just 10 of 32 passes for 109 yards.
"We played fundamentally sound football for the most part, and that's what we've got to do," Johnson said. "We're more of a finesse defense."
Southern is by no means an offensive juggernaut ? it came into Saturday's game averaging 17.7 points per game. However, the Jaguars had moved the ball well between the 20s in their first three games, averaging 384 yards and 24 first downs per game. That included a 427-yard performance against Division I-A Tulane, 269 yards more than what the Jags managed against JSU.
Southern had only two first downs in the first half and 67 yards in the second. Star receiver Michael Hayes (3 catches, 26 yards) was a non-factor.
JSU safety Corey Bonner was among those who noticed the big strides he and his defensive mates made in the days leading up to the Southern game.
"We're improving week by week," Bonner said.
The numbers bear that out. After giving up 478 yards and 55 points to Southern Miss in its opener, JSU's defense gave up 278 yards and 28 points to North Carolina A&T, 346 and 28 points to Tennessee State and 158 yards and seven points to Southern.
In each of those games, breakdowns on special teams and turnovers by the offense put the defense in less than favorable field position, similar to last year. The Tigers have committed 17 turnovers already this season after turning the ball over 42 times a year ago.
At the same time, JSU's offense has also helped the defensive cause. By utilizing more of a short passing game and mixing in the run successfully, JSU has been able to keep the chains moving and the clock running.
The Tigers are averaging a staggering 90 offensive plays and 30 first downs per game.
Like any defensive coordinator, Johnson would love to see his unit pitch a shutout every week. He knows that's not going to happen, though, especially in the offense-happy SWAC.
JSU's next test comes Saturday against Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is 4 p.m.
"A good game for us against good teams would be 150 yards passing and 150 yards rushing," Johnson said. "And we would have done that in a couple of games had it not been for a big play here and there."
JSU's defense has allowed an average of 21 points in three games against Division I-AA foes, a total Robert Kent and the high-scoring offense should easily be able to cover against most of the teams remaining on the Tigers' schedule.
"You've gotta give it up to the defense," Kent said. "Those guys played great."
JSU defense hits stride with domination in dome
Tigers hope for carryover from what they did to Jaguars
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State's defense isn't overly big. It isn't overly fast.
Experienced? Hardly. First-year defensive coordinator Greg Johnson has gone with as many as seven first-year starters at times.
Not that anybody will notice any of the above if Johnson's bunch keeps playing like it did in JSU's 36-14 victory over Southern Saturday in the Superdome.
The Tigers' D limited the Jaguars to a season-low 158 yards and 10 first downs and gave up just one touchdown as JSU won its Southwestern Athletic Conference opener.
Linebacker Elgin Andrews also recovered two fumbles, the first of which set up JSU's first touchdown.
"That's by far the best they've played," Johnson said. "It was a total team effort. It was our fourth game so it was time for us to jell. And we couldn't have picked a better time than in our first SWAC game."
Defensive linemen Bobby Mayes, Llvee Archie and Deon Deboise wreaked havoc against Southern's injury-riddled offensive line and the secondary and linebackers did a good job of mixing up and disguising pass coverage throughout. Southern's lone offensive touchdown came after the second of the Tigers' five first-half fumbles handed the Jaguars the ball at the JSU 36-yard line.
Even on that scoring play, JSU was a fingertip away from batting the pass down. Southern's Chris Davis, who ran a deep slant route, was able to catch Quincy Richard's pass between cornerback Michael Cooley and safety Lamont Woulard, who miss-timed his jump as he attempted to bat down the ball.
Richard and backup Anthony Fisher combined to complete just 10 of 32 passes for 109 yards.
"We played fundamentally sound football for the most part, and that's what we've got to do," Johnson said. "We're more of a finesse defense."
Southern is by no means an offensive juggernaut ? it came into Saturday's game averaging 17.7 points per game. However, the Jaguars had moved the ball well between the 20s in their first three games, averaging 384 yards and 24 first downs per game. That included a 427-yard performance against Division I-A Tulane, 269 yards more than what the Jags managed against JSU.
Southern had only two first downs in the first half and 67 yards in the second. Star receiver Michael Hayes (3 catches, 26 yards) was a non-factor.
JSU safety Corey Bonner was among those who noticed the big strides he and his defensive mates made in the days leading up to the Southern game.
"We're improving week by week," Bonner said.
The numbers bear that out. After giving up 478 yards and 55 points to Southern Miss in its opener, JSU's defense gave up 278 yards and 28 points to North Carolina A&T, 346 and 28 points to Tennessee State and 158 yards and seven points to Southern.
In each of those games, breakdowns on special teams and turnovers by the offense put the defense in less than favorable field position, similar to last year. The Tigers have committed 17 turnovers already this season after turning the ball over 42 times a year ago.
At the same time, JSU's offense has also helped the defensive cause. By utilizing more of a short passing game and mixing in the run successfully, JSU has been able to keep the chains moving and the clock running.
The Tigers are averaging a staggering 90 offensive plays and 30 first downs per game.
Like any defensive coordinator, Johnson would love to see his unit pitch a shutout every week. He knows that's not going to happen, though, especially in the offense-happy SWAC.
JSU's next test comes Saturday against Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is 4 p.m.
"A good game for us against good teams would be 150 yards passing and 150 yards rushing," Johnson said. "And we would have done that in a couple of games had it not been for a big play here and there."
JSU's defense has allowed an average of 21 points in three games against Division I-AA foes, a total Robert Kent and the high-scoring offense should easily be able to cover against most of the teams remaining on the Tigers' schedule.
"You've gotta give it up to the defense," Kent said. "Those guys played great."
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
No place like home for weary Tigers
No place like home for weary Tigers
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
After playing four road games in four different cities and states, Jackson State finally will get to play at home for the first time this season.
The Tigers, 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, host Mississippi Valley State, 1-2 and 0-0, Saturday at 4 p.m. at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"It's going to be good to be back home to play in front of the home crowd," JSU coach Robert Hughes said. "And it's homecoming. I hope there's a good (crowd) showing."
The Tigers have stayed in four different hotels and traveled via plane or bus some 2,500 miles over the last 25 days. The players can't wait to make their first home appearance since last November's Capital City Classic.
"We're looking real forward to it," JSU receiver Robert Jacobs said. "We can just sit back and relax, and not have to worry about traveling, staying in a hotel and all that. Just the feeling of being at home helps. Just because we're playing at home, that doesn't mean we can come out and play light, though. We've still got to play."
KENT GRABS HONOR: JSU quarterback Robert Kent was named the SWAC's co-offensive player of the week along with Grambling quarterback Bruce Eugene. Kent threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns and also ran for 41 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers' 36-14 victory over Southern University on Saturday.
Kent, a junior, has thrown for 1,373 yards and nine touchdown passes this season. He leads Division I-AA in total offense (372 yards per game) and passing yardage (1,373).
FEELING BLUE: JSU has worn white jerseys and white pants in its first four games. The Tigers will wear blue jerseys with blue pants Saturday.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: JSU ranks second in Division I-AA in total offense (529.5 ypg) and third in passing offense (360 ypg).
INJURY UPDATE: WR's Chris Jones (knee) and Torey Ross (hamstring) sat out Monday's practice. Each is expected to play Saturday.
Scouting the Delta Devils
OFFENSE: Mississippi Valley's offense, a bit of a question mark heading into this season, got off to a fast start before being shutout Saturday at Sam Houston State. The Delta Devils averaged 29 points in their first two games thanks in large part to the play of QB Carey Weaver, who can hurt opposing defenses through the air or on the ground. JSU did a good job of containing Southern QB Quincy Richard, like Weaver a capable runner. Weaver is a more efficient passer, although he threw for just 82 yards and was picked off three times Saturday and gave way to backup Curtis Kemp. First-year Valley offensive coordinator Shawn Gregory likes to try to confuse opposing defenses with multiple formations. Courtney Smith is a swift back, capable of popping a long run. O.J. Moore, William Smith and newcomer Kendrick Wade lead an upgraded receiving corps.
DEFENSE: Mississippi Valley's defense is better than a year ago. However, the Delta Devils are still giving up a lot of points ? 35.6 points per game to be exact. That could mean another big day for Robert Kent and the JSU offense, which is averaging 27.5 points and 529.5 yards per game. Against Division I-AA foes, the Tigers are averaging a staggering 36.3 points and 615 yards per game. Valley's Cedric McDonald, the SWAC's leading tackler, is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Delta Devils have some other talented players on defense, including DE Raymond Griffin, LB Daimeon Collins and S Jermaine Grandberry, but they haven't been able to turn the corner yet under first-year defensive coordinator Sam Washington.
INTANGIBLES: A couple of weeks ago, there was nothing but gloom and doom in Tiger Land. Since then, JSU has won two straight to even their record at 2-2 and appears to be back on track. If the Tigers can somehow manage to stop turning the ball over and put two halves together, watch out. The offense is as good as advertised and the defense is improving. Valley will be up for JSU, maybe more so than before with Willie Totten at the helm. The Tigers have averaged 64.3 points in their last three wins over the Delta Devils.
No place like home for weary Tigers
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
After playing four road games in four different cities and states, Jackson State finally will get to play at home for the first time this season.
The Tigers, 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, host Mississippi Valley State, 1-2 and 0-0, Saturday at 4 p.m. at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"It's going to be good to be back home to play in front of the home crowd," JSU coach Robert Hughes said. "And it's homecoming. I hope there's a good (crowd) showing."
The Tigers have stayed in four different hotels and traveled via plane or bus some 2,500 miles over the last 25 days. The players can't wait to make their first home appearance since last November's Capital City Classic.
"We're looking real forward to it," JSU receiver Robert Jacobs said. "We can just sit back and relax, and not have to worry about traveling, staying in a hotel and all that. Just the feeling of being at home helps. Just because we're playing at home, that doesn't mean we can come out and play light, though. We've still got to play."
KENT GRABS HONOR: JSU quarterback Robert Kent was named the SWAC's co-offensive player of the week along with Grambling quarterback Bruce Eugene. Kent threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns and also ran for 41 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers' 36-14 victory over Southern University on Saturday.
Kent, a junior, has thrown for 1,373 yards and nine touchdown passes this season. He leads Division I-AA in total offense (372 yards per game) and passing yardage (1,373).
FEELING BLUE: JSU has worn white jerseys and white pants in its first four games. The Tigers will wear blue jerseys with blue pants Saturday.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: JSU ranks second in Division I-AA in total offense (529.5 ypg) and third in passing offense (360 ypg).
INJURY UPDATE: WR's Chris Jones (knee) and Torey Ross (hamstring) sat out Monday's practice. Each is expected to play Saturday.
Scouting the Delta Devils
OFFENSE: Mississippi Valley's offense, a bit of a question mark heading into this season, got off to a fast start before being shutout Saturday at Sam Houston State. The Delta Devils averaged 29 points in their first two games thanks in large part to the play of QB Carey Weaver, who can hurt opposing defenses through the air or on the ground. JSU did a good job of containing Southern QB Quincy Richard, like Weaver a capable runner. Weaver is a more efficient passer, although he threw for just 82 yards and was picked off three times Saturday and gave way to backup Curtis Kemp. First-year Valley offensive coordinator Shawn Gregory likes to try to confuse opposing defenses with multiple formations. Courtney Smith is a swift back, capable of popping a long run. O.J. Moore, William Smith and newcomer Kendrick Wade lead an upgraded receiving corps.
DEFENSE: Mississippi Valley's defense is better than a year ago. However, the Delta Devils are still giving up a lot of points ? 35.6 points per game to be exact. That could mean another big day for Robert Kent and the JSU offense, which is averaging 27.5 points and 529.5 yards per game. Against Division I-AA foes, the Tigers are averaging a staggering 36.3 points and 615 yards per game. Valley's Cedric McDonald, the SWAC's leading tackler, is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Delta Devils have some other talented players on defense, including DE Raymond Griffin, LB Daimeon Collins and S Jermaine Grandberry, but they haven't been able to turn the corner yet under first-year defensive coordinator Sam Washington.
INTANGIBLES: A couple of weeks ago, there was nothing but gloom and doom in Tiger Land. Since then, JSU has won two straight to even their record at 2-2 and appears to be back on track. If the Tigers can somehow manage to stop turning the ball over and put two halves together, watch out. The offense is as good as advertised and the defense is improving. Valley will be up for JSU, maybe more so than before with Willie Totten at the helm. The Tigers have averaged 64.3 points in their last three wins over the Delta Devils.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Jones bursts onto scene like brilliant comet
Jones bursts onto scene like brilliant comet
Tigers sophomore receiver helps fill void left by Taylor, Story
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Chris Jones lined up to the left, came in motion across the formation to his right, and on the snap of the ball took one step forward as to block.
Moments later, the Tigers' splendid sophomore receiver hauled in a screen pass from Robert Kent and raced 48 yards down the middle of the field for a touchdown.
That single play in Jackson State's 36-14 win over Southern University this past Saturday in the Superdome symbolizes Jones' season to date ? on one hand he's had opposing defenses wondering where he came from, and on the other he's more than lived up to the in-house expectations and hype.
"I'm sure Chris has surprised some people, but it's nothing new to us," JSU offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry said. "We knew all along what he could do. It was just a matter of him getting the opportunity to show it."
No longer playing in the shadows of T.C. Taylor and Lawrence Story as he did a year ago as a redshirt freshman, Jones has wasted no time establishing himself as one of the top young receivers in the SWAC.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Jones shares the team lead in catches (27) along with Tim Manning and leads the Tigers in receiving yards (430) and touchdowns (4). He ranks 10th in Division I-AA in receiving yards per game (107.5).
"I knew I could do it, it was just a matter of time," said Jones, who had 12 catches for 178 yards last season. "I just had to be patient, believe, and wait for my time to come."
JSU's second game, against North Carolina A&T, served as Jones' coming out party. He had 10 catches for 187 yards, including three fourth-quarter touchdowns covering 4, 39, and 61 yards.
Against Southern, Jones reeled in a game-high 11 catches for 156 yards, including the aforementioned 48-yarder that gave JSU the lead for good.
"He's been making a lot of plays for us," Kent said. "He's a young guy who wants the ball, and I'm going to keep giving it to him."
Jones, who ran a 4.3 40-yard dash last spring, is fast enough to run by defensive backs, and he's got an uncanny knack for turning short routes into long touchdowns.
"He's got different gears," Asberry said. "He catches it and turns up the field in a hurry. And he's tough to bring down. He runs right through arm tackles.
"The thing about Chris is that he's a big, strong, fast receiver, and you don't find too many of those around. He can flat out run. He just glides . . . it doesn't even look like he's running that fast."
One of the top athletes on the team, Jones has a 38-inch vertical and can throw a football 65-70 yards in the air. He played quarterback at Noxubee County for three years before moving to receiver as a senior.
He was selected to play in the Bernard Blackwell All Star Football Classic as a receiver. However, he played free safety in the game (for the first time) and came away with two interceptions.
"He's a pure athlete," Asberry said.
Mississippi State and Ole Miss showed interest in Jones early in his senior season before backing off. It didn't help matters that he came out of high school the same year as Chris Collins, Trey Fryfogle, Antonio Hargro, Ray Ray Bivines and McKinley Scott.
"He was a sleeper, I think mainly because he played quarterback before his senior year," Asberry said. "I'm glad we've got him. He's still learning the position . . . he needs to work on his route running. But the key to Chris' future is staying healthy. He's got all the tools."
Jones injured his left knee in last Saturday's win over Southern but is expected to play this Saturday against Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"I always dreamed of being a wide receiver," Jones said. "I loved Jerry Rice. I used to go outside and try to do the things he did. I had posters of him, all that.
"If I get it, I'm going to make something happen. I'm trying to break some records here . . . I feel like if I can match some of the great receivers who have come through Jackson State, then I can be at that next level, too."
Jones bursts onto scene like brilliant comet
Tigers sophomore receiver helps fill void left by Taylor, Story
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Chris Jones lined up to the left, came in motion across the formation to his right, and on the snap of the ball took one step forward as to block.
Moments later, the Tigers' splendid sophomore receiver hauled in a screen pass from Robert Kent and raced 48 yards down the middle of the field for a touchdown.
That single play in Jackson State's 36-14 win over Southern University this past Saturday in the Superdome symbolizes Jones' season to date ? on one hand he's had opposing defenses wondering where he came from, and on the other he's more than lived up to the in-house expectations and hype.
"I'm sure Chris has surprised some people, but it's nothing new to us," JSU offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry said. "We knew all along what he could do. It was just a matter of him getting the opportunity to show it."
No longer playing in the shadows of T.C. Taylor and Lawrence Story as he did a year ago as a redshirt freshman, Jones has wasted no time establishing himself as one of the top young receivers in the SWAC.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Jones shares the team lead in catches (27) along with Tim Manning and leads the Tigers in receiving yards (430) and touchdowns (4). He ranks 10th in Division I-AA in receiving yards per game (107.5).
"I knew I could do it, it was just a matter of time," said Jones, who had 12 catches for 178 yards last season. "I just had to be patient, believe, and wait for my time to come."
JSU's second game, against North Carolina A&T, served as Jones' coming out party. He had 10 catches for 187 yards, including three fourth-quarter touchdowns covering 4, 39, and 61 yards.
Against Southern, Jones reeled in a game-high 11 catches for 156 yards, including the aforementioned 48-yarder that gave JSU the lead for good.
"He's been making a lot of plays for us," Kent said. "He's a young guy who wants the ball, and I'm going to keep giving it to him."
Jones, who ran a 4.3 40-yard dash last spring, is fast enough to run by defensive backs, and he's got an uncanny knack for turning short routes into long touchdowns.
"He's got different gears," Asberry said. "He catches it and turns up the field in a hurry. And he's tough to bring down. He runs right through arm tackles.
"The thing about Chris is that he's a big, strong, fast receiver, and you don't find too many of those around. He can flat out run. He just glides . . . it doesn't even look like he's running that fast."
One of the top athletes on the team, Jones has a 38-inch vertical and can throw a football 65-70 yards in the air. He played quarterback at Noxubee County for three years before moving to receiver as a senior.
He was selected to play in the Bernard Blackwell All Star Football Classic as a receiver. However, he played free safety in the game (for the first time) and came away with two interceptions.
"He's a pure athlete," Asberry said.
Mississippi State and Ole Miss showed interest in Jones early in his senior season before backing off. It didn't help matters that he came out of high school the same year as Chris Collins, Trey Fryfogle, Antonio Hargro, Ray Ray Bivines and McKinley Scott.
"He was a sleeper, I think mainly because he played quarterback before his senior year," Asberry said. "I'm glad we've got him. He's still learning the position . . . he needs to work on his route running. But the key to Chris' future is staying healthy. He's got all the tools."
Jones injured his left knee in last Saturday's win over Southern but is expected to play this Saturday against Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"I always dreamed of being a wide receiver," Jones said. "I loved Jerry Rice. I used to go outside and try to do the things he did. I had posters of him, all that.
"If I get it, I'm going to make something happen. I'm trying to break some records here . . . I feel like if I can match some of the great receivers who have come through Jackson State, then I can be at that next level, too."
MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
PLEASE STOP MENTIONING story. I DON'T SEE WHY YOU jsu FOLKS KEEP DROPPING HIS NAME AND MUCH AS HE WAS DROPPING PASSES ALL SEASON LONG. STICK WITH tc "VICK" HE HAD MORE CREDIBILITY. IF HE WAS AS GOOD AS YOU GUYS ARE SAYING THAT HE IS THEN I BLAME THE COACHES FOR LEAVING HIM ON THE BENCH AND LETTING story PLAY.
MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
WE KNOW WHO'S NERVOUS
IT'S SAD HOW YOU jsu PEOPLE ARE HOLDING STORY IN SUCH HIGH ESTEEM. HE SUCKED!
MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
ON THE FIELD A RUNNING BACK THAT RUNS FOR OVER 1,000 CAN FOOLISHLY ASSUMED TO BE GARBAGE. BUT A RECEIVER THAT CONSISTATLY DROPS EASY, NO DEFENSE AROUND, STANDING STILL TD PASSES IS GARBAGE.
I CAN GO ON, BUT YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Trading jabs on, off field
Trading jabs on, off field
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Joe Ellis/The Clarion-Ledger
Several factors promise to make Saturday's Jackson State-Mississippi Valley State game even more intriguing than usual. A year ago at Itta Bena (left photo), players engaged in a sideline brawl that had each team blaming the other for instigating trouble during the Tigers' 66-36 victory.This year, Willie Totten, who enjoyed success against the Tigers in the 1980s as quarterback at Valley, brings new hope and optimism as head coach of the Delta Devils, who are rebuilding from the ground up after last year's team dipped to an all-time worst 0-11 record.
Jackson State offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry doesn't know how a scoreboard would accommodate triple digits.
He intends to find out Saturday, though.
"We're going to try to start it over," Asberry said. "We're going for 100 (points)."
If the battle lines weren't already drawn for Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference game between Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State in Jackson, they are now.
The Tigers have hung 66, 64 and 63 on the Delta Devils the past three years. But 100?
Asberry's quote, which is sure to make its way onto a bulletin board or two in Itta Bena some time today, is the latest in a string of events that promises to make Saturday's intrastate affair an even larger happening than normal.
The others:
Last year, Valley brought the JSU game back to Itta Bena after a 22-year run in Jackson. JSU fans and coaches didn't like it, saying Valley's stadium was too small and antiquated.
A brawl ensued a few feet from the JSU bench in the second quarter after the second of two cheap shots, the first administered by the Delta Devils. Two players from each team were suspended. LaTraia Jones, then the Valley coach, ran across the field to protect his players. He was later fined and reprimanded by the league.
"I was just trying to make a big play," said Valley's Willie McGee, who leveled JSU punt returner LaDerrick Crossley long before a very high, very short punt arrived. "It really wasn't intentional."
JSU retaliated on the next punt. The ball bounced short, and Valley return man Terrell Adams backed away. He was more than 10 yards downfield from the ball when JSU's Tim Ingram flattened him.
JSU blew out Valley 66-36, and many Valley people accused the Tigers of running up the score. Maybe they were.
"We were trying to get 70," JSU quarterback Robert Kent said afterward.
Willie Totten, former star quarterback who was 2-2 against JSU as a player, was hired as Valley's head coach last December. He's been a part of the JSU-Valley rivalry as a fan, a player and assistant coach, but never as a head coach.
Asberry yelled "We're going to throw on you," at Totten across a crowded room as Totten was about to be interviewed live on WLBT's Sports Journal show. When asked about the incident, Totten responded: "I don't deal with assistant coaches. If I'm going to talk noise, I'm going to talk noise to the head coach, not the assistant."
JSU's coaching staff accused Totten of providing Southern Miss with a copy of last year's JSU-Valley game film. Totten denied the accusation. "You'll have to ask Coach (Robert) Hughes about that one," Totten said. "He seems to know all the answers."
Did anyone mention it's JSU's homecoming? And the fact that Valley's offensive coordinator is none other than Shawn Gregory, former JSU standout quarterback and second cousin of Hughes?
"It's the start of a new rivalry," Hughes said earlier this week.
Said Totten: "We're excited. Jackson State is a big rivalry and will always be a big rivalry. When you play Jackson State, your blood gets to flowing. ... you get pumped up and ready to go."
Last year, emotions ran too high. Players from both teams kept taunting each other despite countless personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Then there was the brawl, of course.
"It was an unfortunate situation that occurred that night," Totten said. "They say we started it. ... that's just 'he said, she said' stuff. We're not going to dwell on that. But we're not going to be intimidated."
Said JSU offensive lineman Chris Hammond: "This is always a big game. It's a rivalry. It's homecoming. It's for bragging rights. They may get a kick out of what happened last year, but stuff like that doesn't fuel our fire. The only fighting we're going to do is between the lines and between the whistles."
Valley hasn't been able to put up much of a fight on the field the past several years, one reason for declining attendance figures. Over 37,000 attended the JSU-Valley game in 1993, and 38,500 attended in 1994. Two years ago, the game drew 15,526 in Jackson.
The Tigers have won seven straight over the Delta Devils, including last year's 30-point victory in Itta Bena. The last time the game was played in Jackson, JSU won 64-20. The year before? 63-0.
Valley linebacker Cedric McDonald and quarterback Carey Weaver warn this isn't the same Valley team that JSU has grown accustomed to beating up on. The Delta Devils, 0-11 last year, bring a 1-2 record into Saturday's game.
"We've got a new coaching staff; we're a whole different team," McDonald said.
Said Weaver: "This is a new year. We know Jackson State has a good team. But we plan on giving them a good fight. We're very confident we can go in there and take the game."
As for Asberry's prediction of 100 points? "We like to hear things like that," McDonald said. "We're going to show them we've got a good defense."
Trading jabs on, off field
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Joe Ellis/The Clarion-Ledger
Several factors promise to make Saturday's Jackson State-Mississippi Valley State game even more intriguing than usual. A year ago at Itta Bena (left photo), players engaged in a sideline brawl that had each team blaming the other for instigating trouble during the Tigers' 66-36 victory.This year, Willie Totten, who enjoyed success against the Tigers in the 1980s as quarterback at Valley, brings new hope and optimism as head coach of the Delta Devils, who are rebuilding from the ground up after last year's team dipped to an all-time worst 0-11 record.
Jackson State offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry doesn't know how a scoreboard would accommodate triple digits.
He intends to find out Saturday, though.
"We're going to try to start it over," Asberry said. "We're going for 100 (points)."
If the battle lines weren't already drawn for Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference game between Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State in Jackson, they are now.
The Tigers have hung 66, 64 and 63 on the Delta Devils the past three years. But 100?
Asberry's quote, which is sure to make its way onto a bulletin board or two in Itta Bena some time today, is the latest in a string of events that promises to make Saturday's intrastate affair an even larger happening than normal.
The others:
Last year, Valley brought the JSU game back to Itta Bena after a 22-year run in Jackson. JSU fans and coaches didn't like it, saying Valley's stadium was too small and antiquated.
A brawl ensued a few feet from the JSU bench in the second quarter after the second of two cheap shots, the first administered by the Delta Devils. Two players from each team were suspended. LaTraia Jones, then the Valley coach, ran across the field to protect his players. He was later fined and reprimanded by the league.
"I was just trying to make a big play," said Valley's Willie McGee, who leveled JSU punt returner LaDerrick Crossley long before a very high, very short punt arrived. "It really wasn't intentional."
JSU retaliated on the next punt. The ball bounced short, and Valley return man Terrell Adams backed away. He was more than 10 yards downfield from the ball when JSU's Tim Ingram flattened him.
JSU blew out Valley 66-36, and many Valley people accused the Tigers of running up the score. Maybe they were.
"We were trying to get 70," JSU quarterback Robert Kent said afterward.
Willie Totten, former star quarterback who was 2-2 against JSU as a player, was hired as Valley's head coach last December. He's been a part of the JSU-Valley rivalry as a fan, a player and assistant coach, but never as a head coach.
Asberry yelled "We're going to throw on you," at Totten across a crowded room as Totten was about to be interviewed live on WLBT's Sports Journal show. When asked about the incident, Totten responded: "I don't deal with assistant coaches. If I'm going to talk noise, I'm going to talk noise to the head coach, not the assistant."
JSU's coaching staff accused Totten of providing Southern Miss with a copy of last year's JSU-Valley game film. Totten denied the accusation. "You'll have to ask Coach (Robert) Hughes about that one," Totten said. "He seems to know all the answers."
Did anyone mention it's JSU's homecoming? And the fact that Valley's offensive coordinator is none other than Shawn Gregory, former JSU standout quarterback and second cousin of Hughes?
"It's the start of a new rivalry," Hughes said earlier this week.
Said Totten: "We're excited. Jackson State is a big rivalry and will always be a big rivalry. When you play Jackson State, your blood gets to flowing. ... you get pumped up and ready to go."
Last year, emotions ran too high. Players from both teams kept taunting each other despite countless personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Then there was the brawl, of course.
"It was an unfortunate situation that occurred that night," Totten said. "They say we started it. ... that's just 'he said, she said' stuff. We're not going to dwell on that. But we're not going to be intimidated."
Said JSU offensive lineman Chris Hammond: "This is always a big game. It's a rivalry. It's homecoming. It's for bragging rights. They may get a kick out of what happened last year, but stuff like that doesn't fuel our fire. The only fighting we're going to do is between the lines and between the whistles."
Valley hasn't been able to put up much of a fight on the field the past several years, one reason for declining attendance figures. Over 37,000 attended the JSU-Valley game in 1993, and 38,500 attended in 1994. Two years ago, the game drew 15,526 in Jackson.
The Tigers have won seven straight over the Delta Devils, including last year's 30-point victory in Itta Bena. The last time the game was played in Jackson, JSU won 64-20. The year before? 63-0.
Valley linebacker Cedric McDonald and quarterback Carey Weaver warn this isn't the same Valley team that JSU has grown accustomed to beating up on. The Delta Devils, 0-11 last year, bring a 1-2 record into Saturday's game.
"We've got a new coaching staff; we're a whole different team," McDonald said.
Said Weaver: "This is a new year. We know Jackson State has a good team. But we plan on giving them a good fight. We're very confident we can go in there and take the game."
As for Asberry's prediction of 100 points? "We like to hear things like that," McDonald said. "We're going to show them we've got a good defense."
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Tigers still rule roost
Tigers still rule roost
Manning, Kent rip Devils
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Vickie D. King/The Clarion-Ledger
Mississippi Valley State's Russell Griffith has his punt blocked by Jackson State's Larry McSwain during the first half Saturday. The play eventually led to a JSU touchdown.
Jackson State didn't reach 100 points. Not even close.
But the Tigers did leave Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday evening with the one thing they wanted most ? a W.
JSU came up with the big plays when it needed them most ? many provided by the Robert Kent-to-Tim Manning connection ? for a harder-than-expected 36-12 victory over Mississippi Valley State.
"All we wanted to do was win," JSU coach Robert Hughes said. "I didn't care how many points we scored."
JSU won its third straight and improved to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Valley dropped to 1-3 and 0-1 under first-year head coach Willie Totten.
The Tigers extended their winning streak over the Delta Devils to eight games, although it didn't come as easy as many in the crowd of 37,843 expected. Valley trailed 13-12 in the second quarter before JSU pulled away with 23 unanswered points.
"It wasn't pretty but we'll take it," JSU safety Lamont Woulard said. "We can always go back and work out all the kinks."
Perhaps it was the kryptonite Valley brought with it from Itta Bena. Perhaps it was because it had to practice indoors a couple of days this week because of the rain. Whatever the case, the Tigers' high-octane offense never got fully cranked up.
Certainly not like in three previous blowout wins over Valley, and certainly not enough to dent the 100 points predicted by offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry earlier in the week. The Tigers were held to a season-low 18 first downs and were just 3 of 12 on third-down conversions.
"I don't know what the problem was to tell you the truth," said Manning, who finished with seven catches for 233 yards. "It seemed like we were sluggish."
Manning did his part, coming up with a handful of big plays to break the Delta Devils' backs. He caught a pair of touchdowns from Kent in the first quarter ? the first of which was set up by his own 32-yard catch ? and reeled in a 52-yard reception to set up the Tigers' final points, a 28-yard field goal by Ashcher Ashley in the fourth quarter.
"I felt like I had to step up and make some big plays to get us out of that hole. And it was the first home game, so I wanted to show my stuff in front of the home crowd."
Said Kent: "If we get him the ball, miraculous things happen."
Kent threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Manning, then hooked up with Manning again from 62 yards to stake JSU to a quick 13-0 lead.
Valley answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carey Weaver to O.J. Moore, a 34-yard field goal from Joseph Blanco and a safety to pull to within one 13-12.
Suddenly it was a game. But the Delta Devils failed to score again.
"It was a tough game," said Weaver, who threw for 280 yards and one touchdown. "We played hard early, then it just seemed like the air went out of us. We made a lot mistakes that hurt us. But one game doesn't deter our season. We'll bounce back."
JSU went up 19-12 on a 7-yard pass from Kent to tight end Courtney Rogers and led 27-12 at the half thanks to a 5-yard run by Charles Lee.
Lee added an 8-yard scoring run late in the third quarter to make it 33-12.
Kent threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns on somewhat of an off night, in becoming JSU's career leader in touchdown passes. His scoring pass to Rogers gave him 70 for his career.
"Kent is an excellent quarterback, and Manning is a great receiver," Totten said. "That's two outstanding athletes. We knew that coming in. We knew we had to slow them down and we didn't do that."
Weaver and the Valley offense moved the ball efficiently against JSU's defense (335 yards, 25 first downs) but didn't finish off drives. Even late in the game when they drove to the JSU 1-yard line, the Delta Devils came up empty as the Tigers produced a goal-line stand.
"We were determined to not let them score there," said JSU safety Corey Bonner, who had one interception and one fumble recovery. "We played a zone coverage a lot of the night, and we came out too relaxed. But we picked it up and took care of business."
JSU, which came in ranked second in Division I-AA in total offense, had scored 60-plus points in its last three games against Valley.
"It was a mental thing," Kent said. "We started off pretty good, we just didn't play too good after that. But we made the plays when we had to and we came out with the win."
Tigers still rule roost
Manning, Kent rip Devils
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Vickie D. King/The Clarion-Ledger
Mississippi Valley State's Russell Griffith has his punt blocked by Jackson State's Larry McSwain during the first half Saturday. The play eventually led to a JSU touchdown.
Jackson State didn't reach 100 points. Not even close.
But the Tigers did leave Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday evening with the one thing they wanted most ? a W.
JSU came up with the big plays when it needed them most ? many provided by the Robert Kent-to-Tim Manning connection ? for a harder-than-expected 36-12 victory over Mississippi Valley State.
"All we wanted to do was win," JSU coach Robert Hughes said. "I didn't care how many points we scored."
JSU won its third straight and improved to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Valley dropped to 1-3 and 0-1 under first-year head coach Willie Totten.
The Tigers extended their winning streak over the Delta Devils to eight games, although it didn't come as easy as many in the crowd of 37,843 expected. Valley trailed 13-12 in the second quarter before JSU pulled away with 23 unanswered points.
"It wasn't pretty but we'll take it," JSU safety Lamont Woulard said. "We can always go back and work out all the kinks."
Perhaps it was the kryptonite Valley brought with it from Itta Bena. Perhaps it was because it had to practice indoors a couple of days this week because of the rain. Whatever the case, the Tigers' high-octane offense never got fully cranked up.
Certainly not like in three previous blowout wins over Valley, and certainly not enough to dent the 100 points predicted by offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry earlier in the week. The Tigers were held to a season-low 18 first downs and were just 3 of 12 on third-down conversions.
"I don't know what the problem was to tell you the truth," said Manning, who finished with seven catches for 233 yards. "It seemed like we were sluggish."
Manning did his part, coming up with a handful of big plays to break the Delta Devils' backs. He caught a pair of touchdowns from Kent in the first quarter ? the first of which was set up by his own 32-yard catch ? and reeled in a 52-yard reception to set up the Tigers' final points, a 28-yard field goal by Ashcher Ashley in the fourth quarter.
"I felt like I had to step up and make some big plays to get us out of that hole. And it was the first home game, so I wanted to show my stuff in front of the home crowd."
Said Kent: "If we get him the ball, miraculous things happen."
Kent threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Manning, then hooked up with Manning again from 62 yards to stake JSU to a quick 13-0 lead.
Valley answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carey Weaver to O.J. Moore, a 34-yard field goal from Joseph Blanco and a safety to pull to within one 13-12.
Suddenly it was a game. But the Delta Devils failed to score again.
"It was a tough game," said Weaver, who threw for 280 yards and one touchdown. "We played hard early, then it just seemed like the air went out of us. We made a lot mistakes that hurt us. But one game doesn't deter our season. We'll bounce back."
JSU went up 19-12 on a 7-yard pass from Kent to tight end Courtney Rogers and led 27-12 at the half thanks to a 5-yard run by Charles Lee.
Lee added an 8-yard scoring run late in the third quarter to make it 33-12.
Kent threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns on somewhat of an off night, in becoming JSU's career leader in touchdown passes. His scoring pass to Rogers gave him 70 for his career.
"Kent is an excellent quarterback, and Manning is a great receiver," Totten said. "That's two outstanding athletes. We knew that coming in. We knew we had to slow them down and we didn't do that."
Weaver and the Valley offense moved the ball efficiently against JSU's defense (335 yards, 25 first downs) but didn't finish off drives. Even late in the game when they drove to the JSU 1-yard line, the Delta Devils came up empty as the Tigers produced a goal-line stand.
"We were determined to not let them score there," said JSU safety Corey Bonner, who had one interception and one fumble recovery. "We played a zone coverage a lot of the night, and we came out too relaxed. But we picked it up and took care of business."
JSU, which came in ranked second in Division I-AA in total offense, had scored 60-plus points in its last three games against Valley.
"It was a mental thing," Kent said. "We started off pretty good, we just didn't play too good after that. But we made the plays when we had to and we came out with the win."
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Sonic98
Guest
37,000? WTF? The stadium was packed from the start of the home-side til the end of the horseshoe. You didnt' start seeing empty seats til you got to Valley's band.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Manning, Andrews reap SWAC honors
Manning, Andrews reap SWAC honors
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State was well-represented on the All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honor roll this week.
JSU receiver Tim Manning was named SWAC offensive player of the week, and linebacker Elgin Andrews was named co-SWAC defensive player of the week along with Texas Southern defensive back Oliver Celestin.
Manning, a junior from Jackson, had seven catches for a career-high 233 yards and two touchdowns in JSU's 36-12 homecoming victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday. His 233 receiving yards represented half of the Tigers' offensive output. Andrews, a senior from Magnolia and SWAC preseason defensive player of the year, had a season-high 14 tackles with two tackles for losses, one pass deflection, one sack and one quarterback hurry.
UP NEXT: JSU, 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SWAC, is off this week before traveling to Mobile to face Alabama State Oct. 12.
It's the first of two off weeks in the next three weeks for the Tigers, who are also off a week before traveling to Grambling State. JSU practiced Monday and is scheduled to practice today and Wednesday. The Tigers are off Thursday, Friday and Saturday before returning on Sunday.
ZEROS: JSU's defense hasn't allowed a touchdown in the second half over the past two games, blanking Southern University and Mississippi Valley. The Tigers allowed just 225 yards combined in those four quarters.
JSU's defense has allowed just 18 points per game against Division I-AA foes.
SACK TIME: JSU had five sacks against Mississippi Valley after recording just two in its first four games. Walk-on defensive end Byron Speaks had two of those sacks.
QUOTABLE: JSU offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry says his threat of scoring 100 points this past Saturday was not a personal thing against anybody at Valley.
"I was just trying to sell tickets," he said.
Manning, Andrews reap SWAC honors
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Jackson State was well-represented on the All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honor roll this week.
JSU receiver Tim Manning was named SWAC offensive player of the week, and linebacker Elgin Andrews was named co-SWAC defensive player of the week along with Texas Southern defensive back Oliver Celestin.
Manning, a junior from Jackson, had seven catches for a career-high 233 yards and two touchdowns in JSU's 36-12 homecoming victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday. His 233 receiving yards represented half of the Tigers' offensive output. Andrews, a senior from Magnolia and SWAC preseason defensive player of the year, had a season-high 14 tackles with two tackles for losses, one pass deflection, one sack and one quarterback hurry.
UP NEXT: JSU, 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SWAC, is off this week before traveling to Mobile to face Alabama State Oct. 12.
It's the first of two off weeks in the next three weeks for the Tigers, who are also off a week before traveling to Grambling State. JSU practiced Monday and is scheduled to practice today and Wednesday. The Tigers are off Thursday, Friday and Saturday before returning on Sunday.
ZEROS: JSU's defense hasn't allowed a touchdown in the second half over the past two games, blanking Southern University and Mississippi Valley. The Tigers allowed just 225 yards combined in those four quarters.
JSU's defense has allowed just 18 points per game against Division I-AA foes.
SACK TIME: JSU had five sacks against Mississippi Valley after recording just two in its first four games. Walk-on defensive end Byron Speaks had two of those sacks.
QUOTABLE: JSU offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry says his threat of scoring 100 points this past Saturday was not a personal thing against anybody at Valley.
"I was just trying to sell tickets," he said.
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Sonic98
Guest
Forget it. They won't listen. The world revolves around GSU last I heard. I guess Doug is "just talking nice about other teams." Everyone knows that until the last coupl years JSU and SU were the top teams. Common sense would tell you that teams think about what they have to do to beat the top teams. Its just like how for years NFL teams were constanly making changes in hopes of finding the formula for beating San Fran and Dallas.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Open dates come at good time for JSU road warriors
Open dates come at good time for JSU road warriors
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
It's no secret that Jackson State's football coaching staff wasn't pleased with this year's schedule that features seven of the first eight games on the road.
Not many coaches would be.
If there's a silver lining in the Tigers' road-happy schedule, it comes this month. JSU has two off weeks in the next three, sandwiched between its two biggest games of the year to date ? at Alabama State and at Grambling State.
And the break in the schedule couldn't have come at a better time for JSU, which has several players bumped and bruised after five straight games.
As many as 12 starters sat out Monday's practice to nurse nagging injuries. The group included quarterback Robert Kent, running back Tarnaka Counslor, linebacker Elgin Andrews, three starting offensive linemen and three starting receivers.
Some of those same players sat out Tuesday and Wednesday also.
"We've been going after it pretty hard since Aug. 7 without a break so (off week) comes at a good time," said JSU coach Robert Hughes, whose Tigers are 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. "We'll get to rest a week and play one, then rest another week and play one. It came at the right time."
The schedule originally called for just one off week in the middle of the season.
However, Northwestern (La.) State was erased from the schedule and the Southern University game, originally scheduled for this month, was moved up to Sept. 21 so that it could be played in the Superdome.
"We really didn't want to play Southern that early, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise," Hughes said.
Hughes gave the players Thursday, Friday and Saturday off.
JSU will resume its normal schedule with film sessions on Sunday and afternoon practices Monday-Friday leading into the Oct. 12 game against Alabama State in Mobile.
"We really needed this off week," JSU receiver Tim Manning said. "It's a great time for it. We've played five games, and four of those five games were very physical."
JSU cornerback Michael Cooley said, "We've got a lot of guys with nick-knack injuries, so it's good to get a chance to nurse those injuries before we play Alabama State. You don't want to carry injuries through the whole season."
JSU currently holds a one-game lead in the SWAC's Eastern Division. A pair of wins over Alabama State and Grambling would go a long way toward securing a berth in the SWAC Championship Game.
Those same two teams have beaten JSU each of the past two seasons, denying the Tigers a December trip to Birmingham.
"Those have been the two, Alabama State and Grambling," Hughes said. "We've got to do whatever is necessary to win these next two games ... whatever it takes. In order for us to be where we want to be in December, we need to win these next two."
Hughes says his team "gave away" the North Carolina A&T game (8 turnovers in 42-36 loss), but otherwise he says he's pleased with where his team stands at the midway point of the season.
"We should be 4-1 right now, unfortunately we're 3-2," Hughes said. "We've had some ups and downs, but the important thing is that two of the games we've won have been counters (SWAC games). Two down, five to go."
FRIDAY'S UPDATE: Inside the numbers: JSU ranks second in the nation in total offense (516.8 ypg.) and passing offense (353.6 ypg.). QB Robert Kent ranks third in the nation in total offense (357.6 ypg.). WR Tim Manning ranks seventh in the nation in receiving yards per game (118.2) and 13th in receptions per game (6.8).
Open dates come at good time for JSU road warriors
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
It's no secret that Jackson State's football coaching staff wasn't pleased with this year's schedule that features seven of the first eight games on the road.
Not many coaches would be.
If there's a silver lining in the Tigers' road-happy schedule, it comes this month. JSU has two off weeks in the next three, sandwiched between its two biggest games of the year to date ? at Alabama State and at Grambling State.
And the break in the schedule couldn't have come at a better time for JSU, which has several players bumped and bruised after five straight games.
As many as 12 starters sat out Monday's practice to nurse nagging injuries. The group included quarterback Robert Kent, running back Tarnaka Counslor, linebacker Elgin Andrews, three starting offensive linemen and three starting receivers.
Some of those same players sat out Tuesday and Wednesday also.
"We've been going after it pretty hard since Aug. 7 without a break so (off week) comes at a good time," said JSU coach Robert Hughes, whose Tigers are 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. "We'll get to rest a week and play one, then rest another week and play one. It came at the right time."
The schedule originally called for just one off week in the middle of the season.
However, Northwestern (La.) State was erased from the schedule and the Southern University game, originally scheduled for this month, was moved up to Sept. 21 so that it could be played in the Superdome.
"We really didn't want to play Southern that early, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise," Hughes said.
Hughes gave the players Thursday, Friday and Saturday off.
JSU will resume its normal schedule with film sessions on Sunday and afternoon practices Monday-Friday leading into the Oct. 12 game against Alabama State in Mobile.
"We really needed this off week," JSU receiver Tim Manning said. "It's a great time for it. We've played five games, and four of those five games were very physical."
JSU cornerback Michael Cooley said, "We've got a lot of guys with nick-knack injuries, so it's good to get a chance to nurse those injuries before we play Alabama State. You don't want to carry injuries through the whole season."
JSU currently holds a one-game lead in the SWAC's Eastern Division. A pair of wins over Alabama State and Grambling would go a long way toward securing a berth in the SWAC Championship Game.
Those same two teams have beaten JSU each of the past two seasons, denying the Tigers a December trip to Birmingham.
"Those have been the two, Alabama State and Grambling," Hughes said. "We've got to do whatever is necessary to win these next two games ... whatever it takes. In order for us to be where we want to be in December, we need to win these next two."
Hughes says his team "gave away" the North Carolina A&T game (8 turnovers in 42-36 loss), but otherwise he says he's pleased with where his team stands at the midway point of the season.
"We should be 4-1 right now, unfortunately we're 3-2," Hughes said. "We've had some ups and downs, but the important thing is that two of the games we've won have been counters (SWAC games). Two down, five to go."
FRIDAY'S UPDATE: Inside the numbers: JSU ranks second in the nation in total offense (516.8 ypg.) and passing offense (353.6 ypg.). QB Robert Kent ranks third in the nation in total offense (357.6 ypg.). WR Tim Manning ranks seventh in the nation in receiving yards per game (118.2) and 13th in receptions per game (6.8).
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Tigers don't want repeat of last year
Tigers don't want repeat of last year
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
People are still talking about last year's Jackson State-Alabama State game.
And who can blame them? The two teams combined for 1,147 yards, 64 first downs, 161 offensive plays and 119 points as Alabama State outlasted JSU 61-58 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
It was the highest-scoring game in the Southwestern Athletic Conference last year. The 119 combined points were three more than Alabama State and JSU combined for in the first round of the SWAC basketball tournament in March.
"Man, this game is unreal," first-year JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson said last week as he watched the tape of last year's game for the first time. "They were going up and down the field, weren't they?"
JSU had 723 yards total offense, 595 through the air, and picked up 42 first downs ? and still lost. As entertaining as last year's game was for the fans, JSU coaches and players don't want to see a repeat this Saturday.
"That's one of the things the coaches have already talked to us about," JSU safety Lamont Woulard said Monday following the Tigers' 2-hour practice outdoors. "We don't want it to get out of control . . . we don't want another shootout. We want to make it an open and shut case."
UP NEXT: JSU, 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SWAC, plays Alabama State, 4-2 and 1-2, Saturday in Mobile. Kickoff for the Gulf Coast Classic is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised on MBC (Time Warner Ch. 61).
The Tigers are tied for first place in the SWAC East along with Alabama A&M. The defending East champion Hornets, currently in fourth place, would be eliminated from the race with a loss.
HMMMM: Following Alcorn State's 48-37 win over Alabama State two Saturday's ago, Hornets coach L.C. Cole turned to Braves offensive coordinator John McKenzie and said: "We're going to get (JSU) for y'all."
Tigers don't want repeat of last year
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
People are still talking about last year's Jackson State-Alabama State game.
And who can blame them? The two teams combined for 1,147 yards, 64 first downs, 161 offensive plays and 119 points as Alabama State outlasted JSU 61-58 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
It was the highest-scoring game in the Southwestern Athletic Conference last year. The 119 combined points were three more than Alabama State and JSU combined for in the first round of the SWAC basketball tournament in March.
"Man, this game is unreal," first-year JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson said last week as he watched the tape of last year's game for the first time. "They were going up and down the field, weren't they?"
JSU had 723 yards total offense, 595 through the air, and picked up 42 first downs ? and still lost. As entertaining as last year's game was for the fans, JSU coaches and players don't want to see a repeat this Saturday.
"That's one of the things the coaches have already talked to us about," JSU safety Lamont Woulard said Monday following the Tigers' 2-hour practice outdoors. "We don't want it to get out of control . . . we don't want another shootout. We want to make it an open and shut case."
UP NEXT: JSU, 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SWAC, plays Alabama State, 4-2 and 1-2, Saturday in Mobile. Kickoff for the Gulf Coast Classic is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised on MBC (Time Warner Ch. 61).
The Tigers are tied for first place in the SWAC East along with Alabama A&M. The defending East champion Hornets, currently in fourth place, would be eliminated from the race with a loss.
HMMMM: Following Alcorn State's 48-37 win over Alabama State two Saturday's ago, Hornets coach L.C. Cole turned to Braves offensive coordinator John McKenzie and said: "We're going to get (JSU) for y'all."
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Sonic98
Guest
Re: Open dates come at good time for JSU road warriors
The bye week came right on time.
The bye week came right on time.
Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
Cole has Tigers seeing red
Cole has Tigers seeing red
Alabama State coach has turned matchup into something 'personal'
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser
L.C. Cole has added spice to the Jackson State-Alabama State series since arriving in Montgomery a couple of years ago. The Hornets go for their third straight victory over the Tigers Saturday in Mobile.
JSU game
Who: Jackson State, 3-2, 2-0 SWAC vs. Alabama State, 4-2, 1-2
When: 6:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile
TV: MBC (Time Warner Ch. 61)
Jackson State used to beat up on Alabama State the way notorious gangster Shug Knight would an enemy from a rival record label.
In 28 meetings, the Tigers had lost to the Hornets just twice. Thirteen of those games were decided by two touchdowns or more and eight by three touchdowns or more.
Rivalry? Hardly.
"(Alabama State) used to just be another game on the schedule," JSU coach Robert Hughes said.
That was prior to two years ago, prior to the arrival of coach Lawrence "L.C." Cole. Since Cole stepped foot in Montgomery, Alabama State has beaten JSU two straight times, and suddenly what once was just another game on the schedule has turned into one that's circled prior to the start of the season.
Adding fuel to the newborn rivalry is the bad blood that exists between Cole and some members of JSU's staff. Those coaches won't state it on the record, but it's no secret they don't particularly care for Cole, who has beaten JSU four straight times dating back to his days at Tennessee State.
JSU offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry did offer this: "It used to be just business, now it's more personal."
Said Cole: "It's there. It's kind of like, forget the school, it's more the name of the coach."
Cole, who interviewed for the job that Hughes got, then added somewhat sarcastically: "I love those guys."
Cole says the differences began in his first year at Tennessee State when he received a blank tape from then-JSU coach James Carson.
"I exchanged films with him and when I got mine it was a bad tape," Cole said. "I put it in and it was blank. I said, 'what is going on here.'"
In turn, Cole didn't send a tape to JSU the following year. JSU won both games, and Cole says JSU's assistant coaches "jaw-jacked" at his assistant coaches in the elevator after each game.
The following year, Cole stood in a press conference the week of the Southern Heritage Classic and proclaimed: "We tapped on the door once, we've knocked on it once, and this year we're going to tear it down."
Cole and Tennessee State backed that statement up with a 33-21 victory, starting Cole's recent run of success against JSU.
When Alabama State beat JSU in Cole's first year, Hornets players tore down a goalpost afterward and took it back to Montgomery with them. And last year, Cole claimed JSU dissed he and his program by scheduling the Hornets for homecoming.
More recently, Cole told Alcorn State offensive coordinator John McKenzie that "We're going to get Jackson State for y'all" after the Braves' win over the Hornets two weeks ago in Lorman. Tuesday night on his weekly radio show, Cole denied making that statement.
"If he wants to keep whispering things in McKenzie's ear, that's OK," Asberry said.
Alabama State won 35-24 two years ago in Mobile for its first victory over JSU since 1991, then backed that up with a 61-58 win in Jackson last season. The loss in Mobile put an early end to JSU's hopes of a repeat trip to the SWAC title game, and the Hornets used last year's game in Jackson as a springboard toward a SWAC East title.
That alone would make Cole an unpopular man in Jackson. Throw in the bad blood, and the fact that Cole and Alabama State are once again standing in the way of the Tigers' path to Birmingham, and it's enough to make him Public Enemy No. 1.
JSU, 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SWAC, faces Alabama State, 4-2 and 1-2, Saturday in Mobile. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
"L.C. Cole said some things we didn't appreciate, and they beat us on homecoming last year so it's really about revenge right now," said JSU quarterback Robert Kent, who threw for 595 yards and six touchdowns in last year's game against Alabama State.
There's plenty of incentive for both teams. Not only would a JSU win snap Cole's personal four-game win streak over the Tigers, it would all but terminate the Hornets' plans for a repeat trip to Birmingham in December.
"Our backs are against the wall," Cole said.
One thing JSU needs to do is focus on beating Alabama State, not Cole, Asberry said.
"We've got to stay focused as players and coaches," Asberry said. "The main thing is going down there and winning the game. We want to put a 'W' on our side of the column, and we don't plan on coming through the back door or the side door to get it. We're coming straight through the front door."
THURSDAY'S UPDATE: Saturday's game in Mobile will match the SWAC's top rushing offense against the SWAC's top rushing defense. Jackson State is averaging a league-leading 163.2 yards per game on the ground, while Alabama State is allowing a league-best 87.3 yards per game on the ground. The Tigers feature two of the top eight running backs in the league in tailback Tarnaka Counslor (66.4 ypg.) and fullback Laurence Nolen (49.8 ypg.). Counslor sustained a slight (left) knee sprain in the first quarter of the Mississippi Valley State game but is expected to play Saturday.
Cole has Tigers seeing red
Alabama State coach has turned matchup into something 'personal'
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]
Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser
L.C. Cole has added spice to the Jackson State-Alabama State series since arriving in Montgomery a couple of years ago. The Hornets go for their third straight victory over the Tigers Saturday in Mobile.
JSU game
Who: Jackson State, 3-2, 2-0 SWAC vs. Alabama State, 4-2, 1-2
When: 6:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile
TV: MBC (Time Warner Ch. 61)
Jackson State used to beat up on Alabama State the way notorious gangster Shug Knight would an enemy from a rival record label.
In 28 meetings, the Tigers had lost to the Hornets just twice. Thirteen of those games were decided by two touchdowns or more and eight by three touchdowns or more.
Rivalry? Hardly.
"(Alabama State) used to just be another game on the schedule," JSU coach Robert Hughes said.
That was prior to two years ago, prior to the arrival of coach Lawrence "L.C." Cole. Since Cole stepped foot in Montgomery, Alabama State has beaten JSU two straight times, and suddenly what once was just another game on the schedule has turned into one that's circled prior to the start of the season.
Adding fuel to the newborn rivalry is the bad blood that exists between Cole and some members of JSU's staff. Those coaches won't state it on the record, but it's no secret they don't particularly care for Cole, who has beaten JSU four straight times dating back to his days at Tennessee State.
JSU offensive coordinator Darrell Asberry did offer this: "It used to be just business, now it's more personal."
Said Cole: "It's there. It's kind of like, forget the school, it's more the name of the coach."
Cole, who interviewed for the job that Hughes got, then added somewhat sarcastically: "I love those guys."
Cole says the differences began in his first year at Tennessee State when he received a blank tape from then-JSU coach James Carson.
"I exchanged films with him and when I got mine it was a bad tape," Cole said. "I put it in and it was blank. I said, 'what is going on here.'"
In turn, Cole didn't send a tape to JSU the following year. JSU won both games, and Cole says JSU's assistant coaches "jaw-jacked" at his assistant coaches in the elevator after each game.
The following year, Cole stood in a press conference the week of the Southern Heritage Classic and proclaimed: "We tapped on the door once, we've knocked on it once, and this year we're going to tear it down."
Cole and Tennessee State backed that statement up with a 33-21 victory, starting Cole's recent run of success against JSU.
When Alabama State beat JSU in Cole's first year, Hornets players tore down a goalpost afterward and took it back to Montgomery with them. And last year, Cole claimed JSU dissed he and his program by scheduling the Hornets for homecoming.
More recently, Cole told Alcorn State offensive coordinator John McKenzie that "We're going to get Jackson State for y'all" after the Braves' win over the Hornets two weeks ago in Lorman. Tuesday night on his weekly radio show, Cole denied making that statement.
"If he wants to keep whispering things in McKenzie's ear, that's OK," Asberry said.
Alabama State won 35-24 two years ago in Mobile for its first victory over JSU since 1991, then backed that up with a 61-58 win in Jackson last season. The loss in Mobile put an early end to JSU's hopes of a repeat trip to the SWAC title game, and the Hornets used last year's game in Jackson as a springboard toward a SWAC East title.
That alone would make Cole an unpopular man in Jackson. Throw in the bad blood, and the fact that Cole and Alabama State are once again standing in the way of the Tigers' path to Birmingham, and it's enough to make him Public Enemy No. 1.
JSU, 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the SWAC, faces Alabama State, 4-2 and 1-2, Saturday in Mobile. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
"L.C. Cole said some things we didn't appreciate, and they beat us on homecoming last year so it's really about revenge right now," said JSU quarterback Robert Kent, who threw for 595 yards and six touchdowns in last year's game against Alabama State.
There's plenty of incentive for both teams. Not only would a JSU win snap Cole's personal four-game win streak over the Tigers, it would all but terminate the Hornets' plans for a repeat trip to Birmingham in December.
"Our backs are against the wall," Cole said.
One thing JSU needs to do is focus on beating Alabama State, not Cole, Asberry said.
"We've got to stay focused as players and coaches," Asberry said. "The main thing is going down there and winning the game. We want to put a 'W' on our side of the column, and we don't plan on coming through the back door or the side door to get it. We're coming straight through the front door."
THURSDAY'S UPDATE: Saturday's game in Mobile will match the SWAC's top rushing offense against the SWAC's top rushing defense. Jackson State is averaging a league-leading 163.2 yards per game on the ground, while Alabama State is allowing a league-best 87.3 yards per game on the ground. The Tigers feature two of the top eight running backs in the league in tailback Tarnaka Counslor (66.4 ypg.) and fullback Laurence Nolen (49.8 ypg.). Counslor sustained a slight (left) knee sprain in the first quarter of the Mississippi Valley State game but is expected to play Saturday.
Tigerpride
THE Logical ONE
Looks like LC is about to get his arse whipped.