SU defense clamps down in second half, Jaguars defeat FAMU 33-27

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.- Playing on ESPN isn’t always a luxury Southern’s football program is afforded, but Saturday they took full advantage.
In their season opener televised live on ESPN Classic, Southern was victorious 33-27 over a Florida A&M team which boasted nine preseason All-MEAC First teamers and a heap of speed at the skill positions.
As the fourth quarter drew to a close, Southern seemed to have things in cruise control leading 33-20, until FAMU’s Philip Sylvester ran into the end zone from four yards out with 16 seconds remaining.
“The line was really good,” said starting quarterback Bryant Lee. “They had a couple missed assignments here and there but overall they held up well.”
Defensively Southern stiffened in the second half as far as points is concerned, nearly pitching a second half shutout. After surrendering 20 points to the Rattlers in the first half, they reversed roles and didn’t allow an A&M score until 16 seconds remaining.
At halftime FAMU led Southern 20-12.
Coates gained 143 yards on 10 carries. Coates gained the bulk of his yards on the first play, going 90 yards for a touchdown. He had two scores on the day.
Lee went 22-29 for 215 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed 18 times for 71 yards and a touchdown. Lee’s only touchdown through the air went to wide receiver Gerard Landry on a 46 yard strike in which he caught the ball between two defenders, spun away and then ran over another defender as he got into the end zone. He had seven receptions for 81 yards.
Defensively linebacker Jonathan Malveaux led Southern with nine tackles. Free safety George had seven tackles and one interception. Glenn Bell also had seven tackles to go along with a forced fumble, while Coates and Frank Harry each forced a fumble.
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