SWAC Football: 3 Takeaways from Jackson State v. Alabama State

The first half was sloppy for both teams.

The Jackson State Tigers did their best to give the game to Alabama State in the first half. The Tigers played their worst half of football all season. It seemed as if it was a game of firsts for Jackson State. Quarterback Jalon Jones threw his first interception this season.

The defense gave up a season high in total yards, rushing yards and points this season.  Jones was not crisp at all this afternoon. The interception he threw was a terrible throw. Not only was it a complete overthrow, but the ball placement was also poor. The offense could not run the ball either. After Jackson State’s first two drives, they had a paltry eight yards on 12 plays.

Alabama State was not that much better. Silly penalties killed first-quarter drives for the Hornets. Wide receiver Michael Jefferson was the only Alabama State wide receiver that could separate early. In the second quarter, the Hornets finally got some momentum. Ezra Gray started to run the ball better and the Hornets scored.

Alabama State promptly stopped the Tigers and proceeded to muff the punt and turn the football over.

Penalties were an issue all game for both teams. The Tigers had a 35-yard pass negated with a penalty. There were a flurry and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the fourth quarter. Both teams combined for 19 penalties and 145 yards on the day.

What turned out to be an entertaining SWAC football game did not start out that way.