Jackson State Football: 3 takeaways from big win over Grambling State

1. Jackson State found a way to neutralize Grambling’s defensive speed

An anchor of the Jackson State run game is the stretch run. The Tigers like to get to the perimeter and allow their fast running backs to get the edge and hit big plays. That was not working against Grambling’s quick defense.

In the first quarter, Jackson State found it difficult to run to the boundary against Grambling. The Tigers’ pursuit to the football neutralized Jackson State’s speed. However, Sanders and his offensive coordinators Michael Pollock and Jason Phillips found a weakness in Grambling’s defense.

Jackson State took advantage of Grambling’s one-gap three-man defensive line and ran the ball between the tackles. As a result, running back Tyson Alexander had a career day with over 180 yards, and JSU ran for nearly 300-yards against Grambling.

Even quarterback Jalon Jones got in on the act chipping in 42 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground. It took a quarter and a half, but the JSU offensive line found their rhythm and found themselves at the second level of the Grambling defense quite consistently.

Their rhythm was evident in the second quarter when Jackson State scored on three straight possessions, with the run game leading the way.

Up Next

• Grambling v. Prarie View A&M (State Fair Classic)
• Jackson State v. Mississippi Valley State (Community Day/Black Out)