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

Alabama State had a great gameplan and executed it well. 

The Jackson State Tigers had two major weaknesses coming into this game. First was their offensive line and the second was their defensive line. With the exception of the Grambling State game, the Tigers have had issues running the football for four quarters. They even struggled for a quarter against Grambling.

Today was no exception. Jackson State’s 170 yards today was nearly forty yards below their season average. Today was the third game the Tigers did not average at least five yards per carry as well. The Hornets had a great gameplan on defense and it kept Jackson State off balance most of the game.

Today started with Alabama State’s ability to get pressure with four down linemen. The Hornets did blitz on certain downs and in certain situations, but there were plays ASU got pressure with just three linemen. Don’t be fooled by JSU’s rushing total; 60 of their yards came on four plays.

Defensively, the Tigers had issues pressuring the quarterback once again. While the Hornets had five sacks and 11 pressures, the Tigers hardly touched Ryan Nettles in this game. Their ability to stop Ezra Gray early was primarily due to slants by the defensive line when the Hornets ran the ball.

When the Hornets offensive line countered, the Tigers had no answer for Gray or Nettles.