Bad habit
Three poor starts in three games suggests a habit, the cause of which coach Terrence Graves and his coaches have to identify and correct. Southern looked out of Jackson State’s league throughout the first half, being manhandled on both lines of scrimmage and nearly run out of Veterans Memorial Stadium. Yes, the Jaguars didn’t quit, but if that becomes the mantra as the season unfolds, it won’t likely be a winning season.
Quarterback shuffle
The injury to quarterback C’Zavian Teasett puts more uncertainty into an already struggling offense. Credit Noah Bodden for bouncing back from his demotion and trying to lead a comeback. He rallied the Jaguars to a pair of TDs and kept a fleeting hope alive, but he still made some big mistakes that short-circuited the rally. His performance made a lot of noise in a game the Jaguars were always three scores from the lead.
Exposed
Southern’s defense was seen as the team’s anchor strength but managed to force one punt in the first half while the Tigers built their big lead. There were missed tackles, players out of position and poor angles against a team playing without its starting quarterback most of the way and still averaging nearly seven yards per play. Jackson State has a veteran team and will be a factor in the East race but the Jaguar defense was run off the field.