HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Jackson State football team travels to Alabama A&M in a battle of the Tigers' top-ranked defense and the Bulldogs' top-ranked offense.
The two teams met this past spring and AAMU narrowly defeated JSU 52-43 in the shortened Spring 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Butch Alsandor, Play-by-Play
Jorge Vargas, Analyst
JSU Radio Network + SiriusXM
Rob Jay, Play-by-Play
Darrell Asberry, Analyst
Jamye Horton & Christopher Neely, Sideline
Jackson State vs. Alabama A&M (32nd Meeting)
Original Record:17-14
In Huntsville:8-6
In Jackson:7-7
In Mobile:1-0
In Birmingham:1-1
Longest JSU Win Streak:4 (1999-2002)
Longest AAMU Win Streak:4 (2003-2006)
Largest Margin of Victory: 28 (34-6, 2011)
Largest Margin of Defeat: 46 (52-6, 2005)
| 1948 Huntsville |
L 12-6 |
| 1949 Jackson |
L 12-7 |
| 1950 Huntsville |
W 12-6 |
| 1951 Jackson |
W 7-6 |
| 1952 Huntsville |
W 27-12 |
| 1953 Jackson |
W 20-0 |
| 1971 Mobile |
W 40-21 |
| 1994 Birmingham |
W 34-24 |
| 1995 Birmingham |
L 21-20 |
| 1999 Huntsville |
W 28-18 |
| 2000 Jackson |
W 34-28 |
| 2001 Huntsville |
W 26-14 |
| 2002 Jackson |
W 13-11 |
| 2003 Huntsville |
L 49-14 |
| 2004 Jackson |
L 22-6 |
| 2005 Huntsville |
L 52-6 |
| 2006 Jackson |
L 34-21 |
| 2007 Huntsville |
W 43-40 |
| 2008 Jackson |
W 37-21 |
| 2009 Huntsville |
L 13-5 |
| 2010 Jackson |
W 30-14 |
| 2011 Huntsville |
W 34-6 |
| 2012 Jackson |
W 35-21 |
| 2013 Huntsville |
W 26-20 |
| 2014 Jackson |
L 25-14 |
| 2015 Huntsville |
L 28-22 |
| 2016 Jackson |
L 27-20 |
| 2017 Huntsville |
W 10-7 |
| 2018 Jackson |
L 21-16 |
| 2019 Huntsville |
L 48-23 |
| S-21 Jackson |
L 52-43 |
| 2021 Huntsville |
TBD |
Darkside Defense
Known as the "Darkside Defense" the Tigers' defensive unit has proven to be among the best through five weeks of play. The defense has only allowed 12.8 points per game and a SWAC-low four touchdowns. The Tigers sport the conference's top-ranked pass defense at 141.5 yards per game to go with the second-ranked rush defense at 104.8 yards per game for an average of 246.3 yards per game, which is best in the SWAC. Opponents are averaging 2.9 yards per rush attempt, which is atop the conference rankings. JSU has only allowed opponents to enter the red zone five times.
To put JSU's dominance into perspective, Florida A&M's defense has allowed 12 entries into the red zone, while this week's opponent Alabama A&M has surrendered 18 red zone opportunities to opposing offenses.
Houston is a Problem
Senior rush specialist James Houston has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, offensive linemen, running backs who pick him up in pass protection and offensive coordinators. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native leads the FCS with 6.5 sacks for -43 yards. Houston's breakout performance was a 4.5 sack performance versus Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic. Through four games Houston has totaled 18 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles.
Linebackers Ride the Wave
Seniors Aubrey Miller, Jr. and Keonte Hampton have proved to be an effective one-two punch and rank in the top 10 in tackles within the conference. Miller is averaging a league-best 13.5 tackles per game and 54 total stops. The Memphis, Tennessee native has added three sacks for -33 yards and one fumble recovery. Hampton has totaled 24 total tackles and 3 tackles for loss.
Defense Searching for a Couple of Firsts
The No.-1 ranked Tigers' defense has just about done everything this year except for two things: 1) record an interception and 2) score a defensive touchdown. Alabama A&M committed five turnovers at Grambling, including four interceptions and one defensive touchdown.
Shedeur Sanders Matching the Expectations
Freshman Shedeur Sanders is living up to the billing the four-star recruit earned at the prep level. Sanders is completing a blistering and SWAC-best 71.6 percent (101-of-141) of his passes and tossed seven touchdowns to just one interception. Sanders also leads the conference with a 151.7 efficiency rating. Sanders' MO has been to protect the ball and distribute it to a bevy of playmakers.
Spreading the Ball Around
Sanders has recorded pass completions to 11 different receivers. Playing primarily in the slot, senior Warren Newman is tied for second in the conference with 30 receptions to go with 203 yards and one touchdown. Fellow senior Keith Corbin III has showcased his big-play ability and leads the team with 268 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Freshman and four-star recruit Trevonte Rucker has tallied 10 receptions for 183 yards, while senior Josh Lanier has added 18 receptions for 179 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Peytton Pickett, Shane Hooks, Kyland Richey, Christian Allen, Santee Marshall, Malachi Wideman, and JD Martin have all added receptions.
Newman Excelling on Special Teams
Warren Newman not only shines in the passing game, he's also a dynamic punt returner. The New Orleans native has totaled 11 punt returns for 212 yards, including a long of 81 yards that all but sealed JSU's 38-16 win over Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic.
