In the span of per week, Jackson State went from showing as if it picked up the place it left off throughout back-to-back Celebration Bowl runs to selecting up the items after a 28-10 loss to Florida A&M within the Orange Blossom Classic.
The demise of the Tigers on Sunday began 11 seconds into the sport when Marcus Riley returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a landing earlier than the group at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens may settle in.
It wouldn’t be the final time the JSU particular groups unit would harm themselves within the first quarter.
After Jackson State may get so far as the FAMU 15-yard line on the offense’s first possession, a discipline aim try went poorly when lengthy snapper Avery Salerno slung the ball over the pinnacle of holder, leading to no factors on the drive.
The Tigers’ particular groups, notably in protection, allowed large features by FAMU returner Jah’Marae Sheread, who tallied 96 yards on three makes an attempt, altering the sector place.
“We took a heavy hit in the first round. It was an amazing return by that kid, head coach T.C. Taylor said after the game. “He (Riley) did what he was supposed to do, and we had to rebound from it. I thought it set the tone for their program, and their football team got the energy and momentum. It took us a while to rebound from it and get over it.”
“I thought that (special teams) was a thorn in our side all day.”
Still rattled from a 21-point first-quarter gap after a pair of TD passes by FAMU QB Jeremy Moussa, the Jackson State offense couldn’t preserve tempo.
Transfer quarterback Jason Brown, who masterfully directed the JSU assault in opposition to South Carolina State, may by no means discover a rhythm.
Brown went 10 of 19 for 82 yards earlier than being changed by backup Zy McDonald, who went 10 of 14 for 149 yards and a 66-yard TD move to Rico Powers.
Taylor stated he determined to go along with McDonald to present the offense a much-needed spark missing within the first half.
“I thought Zy did a great job,” Taylor stated concerning the aid effort. “Jason has some things he has to work on going forward. Zy came in and gave us a little spark.”
Brown, Taylor stated, wanted X-rays on his throwing hand. It is unclear whether or not Brown will likely be able to go when Jackson State continues its highway journey at Southern on Saturday.
Despite the protection not permitting some extent within the second half, it was not sufficient to beat the gradual begin that discovered the Tigers down by as a lot as 28-0.
Taylor and the Tigers can take solace that it fought to attain 10 factors. And that it didn’t quit a rating over the ultimate half-hour.
Now Jackson State must decide whether or not the end result Sunday was simply the top of its 17-game SWAC profitable streak or the rekindling of all these preseason questions on its place within the SWAC.
“We got our butts kicked today out there,” stated Taylor. “We have to do better going forward, myself and coaches, as far as getting this football team ready to play.”
