Game 6

Alabama State at Jackson State Tigers

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 • 2 p.m. CDT • Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Jackson, Miss.

Media Information
Television
JSUTV (Live on Facebook)
Rob Jay (Play-by-Play)
Darrell Asberry (Analysis)
 
Radio
WHLH 95.5 Hallelujah FM
Rob Jay (Play-by-Play)
Darrell Asberry (Analysis)

Jackson State Game Notes || Alabama State Game Notes

 
JACKSON, Miss. – It's officially conference play.
 
Jackson State hosts Alabama State for Homecoming and it's also the Tigers' SWAC opener Saturday at 2 p.m. at historic Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. A #BlueOut is in full effect.
 
Hampton Quarterback of the Defense
 
Only a sophomore, linebacker Keonte Hampton is the leader of the Tigers' defensive unit. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder leads the team with 53 tackles, which ranks second in the SWAC. Hampton has also recorded 34 solo stops, which also ranks second in the conference. He averages 10.6 stops per game, which ranks first in the conference.
 
Newman Continues to Produce
 
Junior wide receiver Warren Newman has turned into a focal point of the Tigers' offense. A threat to score whenever he touches the ball, the New Orleans native has turned in a team-high 26 receptions for 225 yards and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-8, 170-pounder also has three rush attempts for 24 yards.
 
Offense Turns the Corner
 
When John Hendrick was introduced as head coach last November, he stated that if the Tigers were to compete for SWAC championships, the offense would need to improve. After reshaping the offensive staff and installing a new offensive scheme, the offense is dramatically improved.
 
In JSU's thrilling 49-44 win over Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic, the offense produced 470 yards of offense with 338 yards coming via the ground game.
 
Despite the setback versus Bethune-Cookman, JSU totaled 506 yards in total offense. That was the most since Oct. 24, 2015 when JSU defeated UAPB 37-3 and tallied 469 yards of offense. The last time the Tigers produced 500 yards of total offense was October 26, 2013 when JSU defeated Prairie View A&M 51-38.
 
Ponder a Different Quarterback
 
When Derrick Ponder opened the 2018 season as quarterback it marked the first time he saw game action in nearly two years. After an up-and-down season in which he posted 521 passing yards, one touchdown pass and four interceptions, 2019 has been strikingly different for the Bells, Texas product. Through five games he's thrown for 792 yards, tossed seven touchdowns (rushed for one) and only thrown two interceptions.
 
Running Back Depth
 
JSU has a great problem: stable of quality running backs. Jordan Johnson, Keshawn Harper, Quitten Brown and Tyson Alexander have all shown the ability to step in and produce and the running backs, along with the offensive line, dominated Tennessee State. The Tigers also received several conference and national awards for the week of September 14. Johnson rushed for a game-high 141 yards and one touchdown and was named Southern Heritage Classic MVP and earned College Sports Madness SWAC Offensive Player of the Week. Freshman Tyson Alexander rushed for 87 yards and one touchdown and was named SWAC Newcomer of the Week and Josh Littles, who is also battling for carries, showcased his ability and opened the SHC with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and was named SWAC Specialist of the Week.
 
Scouting Alabama State
 
Alabama State enters with a 2-3 overall record and 1-1 mark in SWAC play.
 
The Hornets utilize a modern spread offense. Through five games ASU averages 18.80 points per game, while yielding 30.40 points to opponents.
 
The triggerman for ASU's offense is Kha'Darris Davis. He's completed 81-of-144 attempts for 1001 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. His go-to receiver is 6-3, 195-pound Michael Jefferson. Jefferson has totaled 23 receptions for 413 yards and five touchdowns. The Hornets will also look to Jeremiah Hixon. The 5-11, 165-pounder has grabbed 18 balls for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
 
The Hornets utilize two running backs. Duran Bell has played in four games and totaled 191 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Ezra Gray has added 172 yards with a long of 33 yards.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets are led by Irshaad Davis. The cornerback leads the team with 32 tackles (23 solo, nine assisted) and two forced fumbles. On the defensive line, Christian Clark has tallied 26 tackles (15 solo, 11 assisted) and one sack.