Defeating Tigers is crucial for Jags

After beating Lincoln University 34-7 last week in game that was plagued with mistakes, the Southern University Jaguars are looking to correct deficiencies when they face Texas Southern tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Robertson Stadium in Houston.
According to Jags’ head coach Pete Richardson, two keys are necessary for Southern (9-1, 4-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) to make it to the next level.
“We have to play under control and we have to execute,” Richardson said. “We can’t afford stupid penalties, sloppy play, and inconsistencies. We have to be prepared to move our football team to the next level.”
The Jags committed two fumbles against Lincoln. One was returned for a 41-yard touchdown.
Southern averaged 81.3 penalty yards per game this season. Against the Blue Tigers, they were penalized 18 times for 101 yards.
The Jags also dropped two potential touchdown receptions in the end zone.
“Lincoln had a decent football team,” Richardson said. “They played well and we weren’t as mentally sharp as we should be at this time of year.”
Texas Southern (5-4, 3-2 SWAC) is the final hurdle the Jags have to jump before facing Grambling State in the Bayou Classic. ”We have to have our ‘A-game’ going into the game,” Richardson said. “We are in a situation to control our destination. I told the players that we’re either practicing for next year or for the championship,” Richardson said.
Last season, the Jags defeated TSU 27-24 in Mumford Stadium.
“The last couple of times TSU has been really challenging,” Richardson said. “Coach (Bill) Thomas does a really good job of preparing his team. They always play us for a hard and full 60 minutes.”
According to senior defensive back Lenny Williams, although there is no sense of urgency on the team, Southern understands that a win over the Tigers is a crucial step to the SWAC Championship. He said that he felt that the team is focused more than ever.
“Whoever steps on that field Saturday against us is going to catch hell,” Williams said. “They are going to have to go through it also in order to win.”