Jeremy Anderson
Staff Writer
The JSU Tigers will be back in Jackson, Miss. this Saturday to face off against the Tigers of Grambling State University, well at least we hope so.
For Jackson State, this is a must win game for two reasons. After starting hot early in the season, the JSU Tigers cannot afford a slump at the beginning of SWAC play. Secondly, JSU fans want a win considering Grambling ruined homecoming last year.
The team from Grambling, La. will bring in a 0-3 record into Saturday’s contest on Sept. 19.
Both teams will be coming off of a loss as each team enters SWAC play.
Jackson State endured a tough 35-7 loss to Tennessee State in the 25th Annual Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, Tenn. JSU struggled all night long against Tennessee State and did not play at their highest capability. Although it was a disappointing loss, look for JSU to bounce back soon.
JSU Head Coach Harold Jackson plans on increasing the intensity at practice this week, as he feels that JSU needs some extra energy after last week’s loss.
Grambling State lost to Bethune-Cookman University in hard fought game. Bethune-Cookman, who is widely considered as the best HBCU football team in the nation, only managed to hang on and beat GSU by a score of 36-23, as they were expected to easily handle Grambling State.
Last year, JSU was scheduled to play Grambling State for the Homecoming game. But, as well noted by many news stations across the country, Grambling State forfeited the contest against Jackson State. The infamy of the event is still discussed.
The players from Grambling State felt as if they were not being treated well and that their facilities were unacceptable for a division-1 program. Therefore, they expressed their frustration by refusing to show up in Jackson last year to play.
Although the problems at GSU were somewhat relieved, this troubled Jackson State financially and diluted the exciting week of Homecoming. GSU suffered monetary penalties from the SWAC and also is being mandated to play JSU in Jackson for the next three years.
After last year’s 1-11 record, new GSU head coach Broderick Fobbs and his football team will be anxious to start off SWAC play with a win against JSU. For Grambling, this could make or break their season. A win in Jackson against the SWAC powerhouse Jackson State, would spring Grambling into what could be a season of redemption after last year’s embarrassment.
Be sure to watch your Tigers begin SWAC play this Saturday at 6 p.m. in Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.
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