Donald Hewitt
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
After starting the year off with a loss to in-state foe, Mississippi State University, Jackson State University looks to rebound at the 23rd Annual Southern Heritage Classic against Tennessee State University. TSU is coming in after a nail biting win against Florida A&M University. One thing that may be on JSU’s side is that TSU was penalized 20 times for a total yardage of 178 yards in their last game.
While JSU looks for Quarterback Dedric McDonald to attack the stingy defense of TSU, on the other side of the ball, JSU’s defense looks to prove to the critics along with TSU’s offense that they are one of the top defenses in the SWAC.
The Southern Heritage Classic, presented by FedEx, is a contest that has drawn over 1 million fans since the first game in 1990.
According to southernheritageclassic.com, the success of the Southern Heritage Classic, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009, has resulted from countless hours, days, months and years of behind the scenes effort to make it a first-class entertainment event, not just a football game between traditional rivals Jackson State and Tennessee State.
JSU and TSU have met 20 times on the gridiron with TSU leading the match-up with 11 wins. The TSU Tigers had a seven year win-streak against JSU from 2003-2009 but JSU has bragging rights for the last two match-ups and hopes to continue the streak.
Tennessee State Tigers definitely have plans to spoil those dreams with stand out Nick Thrasher, a sophomore linebacker who in last week’s game finished with 10 tackles, 9 solo tackles and 2 tackles for losses. On the offensive side of the ball for TSU is key player Michael German, starting QB, who threw for 263 yards with a touchdown and interception in a winning effort against FAMU.
On the other side you have JSU’s quarterback McDonald, who threw for 136 yards with a touchdown and also two interceptions against MSU.
Something to watch on the defensive side for JSU is the play of the corners and safeties against the pass friendly offense of TSU.
My prediction is that JSU will win 14-10 in a low scoring game. The outcome depends on QB play and the team who wants it more. The JSU Tigers are hungry to continue their success against rival TSU.
Kickoff will begin Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.
