Lands anchors Jags stout defensive front

For Southern University, the majority of its pressure up front comes from senior defensive lineman Vincent Lands.
In just three games he has 13 tackles, two and a half sacks, three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. Saturday in Southern’s home opener against Prairie View Lands had 5 tackles and two and a half sacks.
Before facing the Jaguars, Prairie View senior quarterback Chris Gibson had not been sacked in their previous two games and commented on how his offensive line would not allow him to be touched.
“I remember him commenting in the paper that he hasn’t been touched, so we really had to make a statement and show him that the Jaguar defense can play,” said Lands.
Making a statement is exactly what Southern’s defensive unit did. Led by the pass rush of Lands, Southern held Prairie View’s offense scoreless, registering its first shutout of the season. In fact, Southern only allowed 197 yards total offense, with 145 yards coming through the air and 52 yards rushing. PV’s only points came on a safety.
“We just stepped up and really played tough,” Lands said. “It was just pride. They were in our house and we’re not letting anyone score in our house. That’s the pride we have.”
But just as Southern’s defensive performance spoke volumes Saturday, so did PV’s 23-26 overtime upset of the Jaguars last season. In that game Lands never had the chance to come up with big plays because he was carted off the field due to dehydration.
Plus, in the game last year PV converted two Southern fumbles into touchdowns in the final minutes of regulation, forcing overtime. Also, last year’s victory marked the first time PV had defeated Southern since 1971.
“This game really was big,” Lands said. The loss last year really burned us inside for the last 300 or so days, so we took that all inside and just played tonight.
Aside from the sacks, Lands also came off the corner to stop PV on two crucial fourth and one plays in Southern territory.
“I just knew I had to get after him,” Lands said. “The win is a stepping stone, but now it’s time to focus on the next game.”
Lagniappe
With Saturday’s win Southern in now (3-0, 2-0 in Southwestern Athletic Conference) play. This is the first time Southern has been 3-0 since its championship season in 2003. Also, Southern’s defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in six quarters. If PV was not allowed a safety on a holding call, the Panthers would have been shut out completely.