Morgan Beard
Staff Writer
The Jackson State University Tigers will travel to Houston, Texas, to take on the Tigers of Texas Southern University. The TxSU Tigers bring in a (3-3) overall record with (3-2) record in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play.
TxSU is coming off a heartbreaking 23-20 lost to the Braves of Alcorn State University. TxSU’s first two losses came from the Panthers of Prairie View A&M University in week one (29-25) and the Huskies of Houston Baptist University 24-20 in week two.
JSU leads the all-time series record (41-18-1). This will be the 60th meeting on the gridiron between both HBCU’s.
TxSU has the 4th best scoring offense in the SWAC with 19 touchdowns and a 26.8 points per game average. The Texas Southern Tigers are without their big player, 6 foot 7 wide receiver Derrick Griffin who was kicked off the team earlier during this season.
The TxSU Tigers are lead by senior quarterback Averion Hurts who is ranked 4th in passing yards and ranked 5th in all-purpose yards in the SWAC. He is also the big brother of University of Alabama freshman standout quarterback Jalen Hurts, who leads the #1 FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) team in the nation.
Last year, the JSU Tigers defeated TSU 34-30 and senior cornerback Zavian Bingham intercepted a pass for a 99-yard touchdown to seal the win. In 2014, JSU defeated TSU 27-17. In 2013 JSU defeated TSU 46-14.
TxSU senior kicker Eric Medina leads the SWAC in field goals with a 9/9 perfect field goals made and attempts. The TxSU also leads the SWAC in kickoff covers down the field and has not had a returner to score yet. Also ranked #1 in kickoff return yards with 22.9 yards per game and punt return yards with 24.6 yards per game.
The TxSU Tigers has the #2 ranked defense in SWAC and the #2 stop the run defense behind Jackson state who leads the SWAC in stopping the run.
To win this weekend’s game, the Tigers need to score fast and cut down on the turnover mistakes. The offensive line will have to continue to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for senior running back Joshua Bates from Jackson, Miss., and freshman running back Jordan Johnson from Terry, Miss.
The JSU Tiger’s defense should continue taking the ball away and forcing pressure on the quarterback. Junior Keontre Anderson from Canton, Miss., ranked second in the SWAC in tackles for loss with 10. Senior all-SWAC DE/LB Javancy Jones ranked number three in the SWAC with 8.5 tackles for loss and he leads the Tigers in total tackles.
The JSU Tigers leads the SWAC in blocked punts with three and return two for a touchdown. The game will take place this Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., to listen to the game on radio, tune into 95.5 FM.
All photos by William H. Kelly III
