Bye gives Jags breather

Southern’s bye week may be just what the doctor ordered.
Coming at such a crucial time after the Jaguars’ meltdown on the sidelines of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss. – one in which FCS All-American WR Juamorris Stewart was taken out of the game and QB Bryant Lee stormed off the field without shaking hands with Jackson State players—after a vital Southwestern Athletic Conference loss 22-14.
On Monday, SU coach Pete Richardson offered his thoughts on what his team needs to do to come out on top in close contests, and what they will work on during the off week.
Here’s a short list:
• Richardson believes his team must establish the run early in games. He said getting the running game started is vital to his team’s offensive success. Out of 56 snaps, SU passed 40 times. As deadly as they are throwing the ball, a predictable offense won’t survive long. It didn’t help that SU totaled just 20 yards on those 16 carries. With basically no threat of a running game, Stewart was held to 69 yards on seven catches.
“When teams double on him high and low, somebody else has to step forward and make plays for us,” Richardson said.
• Get rest. SU has played a month of football games without any time off. Factor in camp, and the Jaguars have been going full speed for two months without a break. “It’s been a long two months for our football team, so we have to work on getting sound,” Richardson said. “We’ve been thin on the defensive line due to injury and some individuals have suffered with colds.”
• At such a crucial time in their young season, the Jaguars should take advantage of this week and use dismantle Fort Valley State, in preparation for its big test the following week. On Oct. 22, Prairie View, who is currently undefeated and in control of the Western Division visits Mumford Stadium.
“We know what’s at stake,” tight end Warren Matthews said. “If we win out, we go to Birmingham that much easier. We have to win out.”
• Get back to the basics. Like any other veteran coach, Richardson knows games are won in the trenches. Likewise, he wants to see the offensive line “hang in there on their blocks” to open holes for the running backs.
“We have to regroup and get ready to move on from here,” Richardson said.