Christopher Ross
MC301 Contributor
The Jackson State University Tigers will take on the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M for Senior Day to continue their hopes of winning the SWAC Eastern Division. The Bulldogs bring in a (3-6) overall record with a (3-5) record in Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) play.
While Jackson State is still tied for first place in the east. The Bulldogs are sitting right behind JSU tied for third. Alabama A&M are coming off a hard fought 17-56 lost to the Tigers of Grambling State. The Bulldogs only victories are over Mississippi Valley State 35-16, University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff 40-7, and Alabama State 42-41.
The Bulldogs have the fifth best scoring offense, and the fourth best total offense in the SWAC. Alabama A&M is led by senior quarterback De ’Angelo Ballard, a native from Macon, Miss. Ballard was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance week 8 of the season against University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff. Ballard is also ranked second in the SWAC for total offense. He has contributed 527 rushing yards and 1751 passing yards to the Bulldogs offense.
JSU leads the series with a (16-10-0) record. This will be the 26th meeting on the gridiron for both HBCU’s. Alabama A&M has a 2 game winning streak again the Tigers. Last year, Alabama A&M beat Jackson State 28-22.
To win this weekend’s game on offense, the Tigers will need to capitalize in the red zone. Have a balanced attack with the rushing and passing game. The Tigers will also need to cut down on the penalties as the Tiger are ranked the fourth most penalized team in the SWAC. The Tigers will need to score.
On the defensive side of the ball, the team will need to continue what they have been doing all season, as they are ranked the second best defense in the SWAC. The Tigers will need to continue to stop the run and force the Bulldogs to turn the ball over. Continue to play good red zone defense, as the Tigers are ranked the second best red zone defense in the SWAC also. They also need to put pressure on and contain Ballard, and prevent him from making big plays.
For special teams, the Tigers will need to punt the ball in good field position, but also capitalize on field goal opportunities in the red zone to put points on the scoreboard. Continue to gain a lot of return yards to set the offense up with great field position. The Tigers need to continue blocking punts and field goals, as the Tiger are the best punt blocking team in the SWAC.
The Senior Day game will take place this Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. To listen to the game on the radio, you can tune into 95.5 FM. The game will also be available on JSUTV Livestream.
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