Jeremy Anderson
Staff Writer
The Jackson State University Tigers will be traveling to Memphis, Tenn. to face off against the Tennessee State Tigers on Sept. 13 for the annual Southern Heritage Classic. This year’s classic will mark the 25th year of the annual HBCU matchup between the two big cats.
Jackson State and Tennessee State have competed in every Southern Heritage Classic with the exception of two games in 1991 and 1993. The game is always held on the second Saturday in September and always attracts a large crowd. Jackson State has a series record of 9-13 against Tennessee State, since the contest became a classic.
As always, the week will be filled with many activities other than the game itself. Gladys Knight and Charlie Wilson are set to perform at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis as a part of the celebration on Sept 11. Comedian Lavell Crawford is also set to bring the laughter at the Classic Comedy Jam on Sept. 12 which will also be held at the Orpheum Theater.
Last Saturday, JSU won in a dominate fashion by blowing out Virginia University of Lynchburg by a score of 59-0. The Dragons of VUL were clearly outmatched as the Tigers scored at will and took a 45-0 lead into halftime.
Both the offensive and defensive units played well and many players got game time experience in the second half. Because the game was so lopsided, many of the starters rested during the entire second half of the game.
Tennessee State brings in a 1-1 record, and will look to get back to winning ways after losing a wild game to Alabama State University last week. Although TSU had a fierce fourth quarter comeback, they lost 27-21 to the Hornets of Alabama State.
The TSU defense had trouble containing to Alabama State offense, allowing 444 total yards on defense. Of the 444 yards, 255 of them were rushing yards.
Tennessee State will be Jackson State’s toughest test yet. Tennessee State was ranked in many polls as the top HBCU football team in the country at the beginning of the season. After the upset from Alabama State, HBCU Gameday still has TSU ranked as the third best HBCU football team in the country.
Jackson State will have to play at their best in order to win this game and remain undefeated in Coach Harold Jackson’s inaugural season. Tennessee State has beaten Jackson State the past two years and is hungry to get back in the win column after last week. Every player on the team will have to step up and make plays against the talented Tennessee State team.
Activities for the Southern Heritage Classic begin Thursday night and will all lead up to the much anticipated game at 6 pm in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn. For more information on all the Southern Heritage Classic activities, visit http://www.southernheritageclassic.com.
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