Jackson State and Southern College will meet as soon as once more on Saturday in Baton Rouge, persevering with one of the vital heated rivalries in all of HBCU soccer. For Jackson State, it’s an opportunity to construct on early momentum and maintain management of a collection it has not too long ago dominated. For Southern College, it’s a take a look at of pleasure and resilience because the Jaguars look to snap a six-game dropping streak in opposition to the Tigers.
HBCU contenders coming off bye
Jackson State enters the sport at 2–1, coming off a dominant shutout win over Tuskegee. The Tigers are averaging 26 factors per recreation whereas holding opponents to only 17.3, a testomony to their bodily protection and punishing floor assault.
Southern College, in the meantime, is 1–3 after a rugged nonconference stretch that included losses to North Carolina Central, Alabama State, and Fresno State. The Jaguars have struggled on each side of the ball, averaging simply 15.5 factors per recreation whereas giving up greater than 36.
Head coach T.C. Taylor is aware of his group hasn’t totally clicked but, however the basis is obvious: Jackson State runs the soccer with authority and performs stout protection. Ahmad Miller has been the spark, speeding for 282 yards at an eye-popping 9.7 yards per carry with three touchdowns.
The Tigers’ protection is led by Quincy Ivory, who has tallied 25 tackles and three sacks in simply three video games.
Taylor acknowledged the Tigers’ offensive inconsistency however praised his group’s resilience. “We haven’t clicked on all cylinders on offense proper now. Protection, I feel, is enjoying nicely. Particular groups has been okay. However I do know what we’re able to when all people flips that change,” Taylor stated.
Southern College’s challenges
Southern College enters the rivalry recreation looking for solutions. Head coach Terrence Graves believes his group used the bye week to reset. “It gave us an opportunity to self-scout. What we do nicely, let’s maintain doing. What we don’t do nicely, let’s eliminate it,” Graves defined.
Operating again Trey Holly has been a shiny spot for Southern College, speeding for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
Quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy has proven flashes with 316 passing yards and two scores, however turnovers have haunted the Jaguars. They misplaced 5 fumbles by way of their first 4 video games, a development Graves says merely can’t proceed. “It’s virtually not possible to beat an excellent group with turnovers,” he stated.
Matchup keys
The sport will hinge on the battle up entrance. Jackson State’s offensive line has paved the way in which for 254 speeding yards per recreation.
Southern College counters with linebacker Ckelby Givens, who already has 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
If the Jaguars can sluggish Miller and the Tigers’ secure of backs, they’ll give themselves an opportunity to regulate tempo.
Quarterback play is one other main storyline. Taylor has rotated between Jacobian Morgan and Jared Lockhart, with Lockhart displaying deep-ball promise in his begin in opposition to Tuskegee. Graves has not dedicated to a single starter both, leaving open the chance that a number of Southern College quarterbacks will see motion.
HBCU Rivalry As Shut As It Will get
The rivalry between Jackson State and Southern College is likely one of the crown jewels of HBCU soccer. Because the first assembly in 1929, the applications have staged traditional battles in entrance of packed homes and nationwide tv audiences. Southern College leads the general collection 37–35 however Jackson State has gained the final six conferences, together with a 41–13 victory within the 2024 SWAC Championship Sport. Southern College’s final win got here within the spring of 2021, a 34–14 triumph in Jackson.
What’s at stake for Southern and Jackson State
For Jackson State, a win means persevering with its early-season push and lengthening its stranglehold on this rivalry. For Southern College, the sport represents greater than only a shot at redemption — it’s about reestablishing confidence and displaying that the Jaguars can nonetheless compete on the highest stage of HBCU soccer.
“Anytime you go down into Baton Rouge you higher have your thoughts proper as a soccer group and as a program,” Taylor stated.
Graves echoed the sentiment, reminding his group to “block out the noise” and give attention to execution.
As Saturday approaches, followers throughout the HBCU panorama know what this matchup represents: custom, depth, and bragging rights that final all 12 months — or a minimum of till they meet once more.
