Preview, prediction and live stream: Jackson State Tigers v. Alabama State

The Alabama State Hornets host the Jackson State Tigers Saturday afternoon at Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama.

Coach Prime and the high-powered Jackson State Tigers’ offense roll into Montgomery, Alabama, to take on the Alabama State Hornets in SWAC action on Saturday afternoon. For the Hornets, it is their second game of the season (their win is a forfeit by Alcorn State) after losing their home opener against Southern University  21-24 in a close game.

The Jackson State Tigers have rolled their opponents on their way to a 3-0 record.  In their three victories, the Tigers have averaged 43 points per game. Not to be overlooked by their offense, the defense has been stingy, surrendering just 11 points per game. Despite their 1-1 record, the Hornets are the Tigers’ most formidable challenge to date.

Saturday afternoon’s game is an opportunity for the Hornets to get on track after their loss to Southern. Alabama State quarterback redshirt freshman Ryan Nettles makes the second start of his career against a Jackson State defense that has kept everything in front of them and generated turnovers.

Here is more on Saturday’s game:

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021

Time: 3:00 pm EST

Location:  Montgomery, Alabama

Venue:  ASU Stadium

Odds: Jackson State -6.5

How to Watch: ESPN2/ WatchESPN

Keys to Victory:

Despite the loss to Southern, the Alabama State Hornets dominated the time of possession. Keeping Jalon Jones and the high-octane Tigers’ offense off of the field gives the Hornets the best opportunity to win the game. Alabama State had a game plan against Southern, run the football.

The Hornets did a good job running the football, but they could not keep Southern away from Nettles. The Jaguars sacked the redshirt freshman quarterback six times. If the Hornets want a chance at this game, they have to keep the pocket clean for Nettles, run the ball well, and not turn it over.

For the Tigers, Sanders and his offensive staff want to establish their run game. That was an issue against Mississippi Valley State despite the lopsided score. Although the offense scored 43 points last week, the offensive line played spotty at best. Jackson State has to win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Jalon Jones has to continue his evolution and development at quarterback. In the first two games, Jones did not throw a lot, but what accurate when he threw. Against the Delta Devils, Jones had a season-high in passing yards (250) but a season-low (51.8 percent) completion percentage.

Jones needs to put the accuracy and downfield passing together using the size advantage the Jackson State receivers have against Alabama State.

Prediction

This game sets up like a comfortable win for the Tigers. Alabama State’s defensive line should pose little problem for the Jackson State offensive line, and the Tigers can dominate you in the air or on the ground. Expect the Tigers by two or more touchdowns.

Score: 

Jackson State 35, Alabama State 21