Southern’s, 49-7, mauling of Mississippi Valley State in its home opener gave the Jaguars confidence, a glimpse of the running game and one final tune-up-three things it desperately needed headed into a bye week before the start of Southwestern Athletic Conference play at Alcorn State Sept. 27.
Senior running back Kendrick Smith provided the SU offense the workhorse back it had been missing rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Smith also caught two passes for 18 yards.
The performance marked Smith’s career-high and first 100-yard game as a Jaguar. Smith also scored his first career touchdown.
“We ran the ball well and we’re going to have to be able to do that to be successful,” said SU coach Pete Richardson. “That opened up a lot of things through the air.”
Equipped with the balance of a run game just as lethal as its air attack, SU took control of the game early jumping ahead of Valley 14-0 in the first as junior quarterback Bryant Lee hit Juamorris Stewart on a 30-yard pass and running back Brian Threat punched one in from nine yards out.
SU (1-2) led 28-7 at halftime, before widening the margin adding 21 second half points. SU also racked up 234 yards rushing, its best of the season.
“We needed that (a win headed into the bye) for this football team,” Richardson said.
On the night, Lee rushed for 79 yards on 16 carries, directing seven SU touchdown drives with the longest spanning nine plays 69 yards and 2:50.
Starters Del Roberts and Stewart also had solid games as Roberts had four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown and Stewart three catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns.
The ability to control tempo and score early was vital for SU as it forced Valley out of its original offensive game plan. Valley ran the ball well in the early going and through the game but eventually had to open up the playbook attempting to come from behind.
But, however, Valley didn’t get far on the arm of junior quarterback Ryan Burciaga. Burciaga, a native of Hawaii made good on 18-of-50 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.
“I put this game on me,” said Burciaga. “I believe the running game was great. It wasn’t the team itself, it was me. I didn’t make enough plays.”
When Valley (1-1) need Burciaga the most he simply failed to lead the offense as Valley was stopped twice in the red zone, going 1-for-3 on red zone conversions. Burciaga did however complete a 12-yard TD strike to receiver Cameron Russ capping a nine play 63 yard drive, Valley’s best of the game.
“I wanted to score so bad I could taste it,” Burciaga said.
Said Valley coach Willie Totten, “We had so many opportunities to score and couldn’t punch it in. That’s just a part of it. I thought we were ready to play, but one game won’t make our season. We have to bounce back and build on our mistakes.”
Valley also made good on 8-of-18 third down conversions and 1-of-5 on fourth.
“We let them get down there, we’re still making too many mistakes especially on third and long situations, keeping drives going,” Richardson said. “We have to work on that part of it.”
SU practiced Sunday and Monday, its usual day off, and will practice again today before taking the rest of the week off. Richardson also said he hopes to get out and recruit during the bye week.
Notes
Despite the threat of rain showers and various parking changes around campus, 14, 317 fans showed for Saturday’s contest. WR Juamorris Stewart posted his second consecutive two TD game. The game did not count toward SWAC standings due to the recent change in scheduling. SU plays seven SWAC games this season. The Jaguars return to SWAC play when they travel to Lorman, Miss. to face the Braves of Alcorn State on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
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