Jackson State Football: 3 takeaways from blowout loss to Southern

2. Tigers have struggled against better competition

Jackson State’s last two games, both losses, have come against the better teams in the SWAC. These losses have shown Deion Sanders and his staff what they need to do this fall to get better. What both Alabama State and Southern exposed is Jackson State’s marginal offensive and defensive line play. The Tigers have explosive players offensively.

Jalon Jones is an athletic quarterback who is dangerous with both his arm and legs. Both the Hornets and Jaguars dropped and played zone, mixing in some man looks (with the personnel to do so) with the ability to get home with just four linemen. Even Mississippi Valley State had success getting pressure on Jones.

That has also affected the running game. Jackson State has been out-rushed in its last two games. Against the Jaguars, their running game was rendered ineffective. JSU has struggled running the football most of the season. Games where they’ve rushed for big yards have come via big runs. The Tigers have not had a steady, consistent ground game.

It stands to reason this is because the competition has improved. This gives Sanders a lot to digest as far as the plan for this fall.