Tigers look to remain undefeated in Alcorn matchup

Special to the Flash

Jackson State University fans and players hope the Tiger’s undefeated season in the SWAC will continue as they compete for yearly bragging rights in the JSU vs Alcorn State University game on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the JSU Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

According to JSU Sports Media, the Tiger football team continues to climb the HBCU football polls. The Tigers (8-0 SWAC, 8-2 overall) are ranked No. 1 in the Boxtorow FCS Coaches poll and are No. 2 in the SBN Sports Network poll. JSU moved up in the polls after beating Alabama A&M 26-20 and clinching the SWAC East Division title last weekend in Huntsville, AL.

Last year marked the first time since 1993 that the Tigers had to travel to Lorman, Miss. to meet the Braves in the annual matchup, formerly ending the much anticipated Capital City Classic.

Christopher Brown, ASU president, shocked Tiger fans last year when he announced that Alcorn would exercise its right to hold the Nov. 17, 2012 football game against JSU in its home stadium.

According to previous reports, the Capital City Classic had averaged an attendance of more than 32,000 and the average yearly economic impact to the city of Jackson totaled more than $2.5 million.

Jackson State has a record of 13-6 in the games played in Jackson and defeated the Braves on their home field in 2012.

This week’s pre-game activities include a comedy show headlining popular radio talk show host and comedienne/actor Rickey Smiley on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Downtown Convention Center. Student tickets are available in the JSU Student Center 1st floor ticket booth for $17.50, and general admission tickets can be purchased at the Mississippi Coliseum and via Ticketmaster. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Also, everyone is invited to an on-campus pep rally beginning at 1 p.m. Friday on the Pedestrian Walkway which will feature the Tiger football team, cheerleaders, Sonic Boom of the South and a spirit battle between the classes.
She’keia Ewings, a senior chemistry major from Clarksdale, Miss., thinks the game will be bittersweet for her.

“I’m looking forward to my last JSU verus Alcorn game as an undergrad student.”
Yssis Copeland, a sophomore biology major from Corinth, Miss. hopes JSU finishes with a perfect season against ASU.

“I have to study that weekend, but I really believe it will be a great battle between the two teams. JSU will beat Alcorn and win the SWAC championship.”
As the SWAC East Division title holder, JSU will face Southern University in Houston, Texas on Dec. 7 in the SWAC championship game.