The Southern University Jaguars football team will host their inaugural game with the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It is a non-conference game for Southern (2-1, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Southern head coach Pete Richardson expressed concern for the Jaguars inexperienced secondary against the Jackrabbits (2-1, 0-1 Great West Conference) as he attempts to win his 100th game as the Jaguars’ helmsman.
“We can’t afford to give up big plays on defense,” Richardson said. “We can’t afford to be in third and long situations and they come up with a first down. We have to be in a situation where we control the football game.”
In order to control the game, the Jags’ defense will have to stay atop the Jackrabbits’ 6’5’’, 215-pound Brad Nelson. South Dakota State’ starting quarterback has averaged just over 192 yards per game in total offense and is backed by an offense that Richardson sees as a threat.
He said that the Jackrabbits’ wide receivers “have good size on them and are quick.” No SDSU wide receiver is shorter than six feet and ten starters are returning.
Southern averages 405 yards per game total offense (187 rushing, 218 passing) under senior running back Gerald Holmes. Holmes averages five yards per carry and 114 yards per game and had his third 100-yard rushing game against Prairie View A&M. Jags’ junior running back James Vernon has caught 21 receptions in three games for 261 yards and three touchdowns.
“Some of the keys as far as this game is we have to control the line of scrimmage,” Richardson said. “And we have to be able to run the football. I mean we can throw the football. (Thomas) Ricks is starting to improve each week and the more confidence he gets with the receivers to develop that chemistry, the better football team we will have.”
Ricks passed 216 yards and 22 yards rushing per game. In last week’s 42-12 victory against Prairie View A&M at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, the senior quarterback scored a career-high five touchdowns.
In twelve seasons as the Jags’ head coach, Richardson has won five conference titles. He gained his first one in 1993 – Southern’s first in 18 years. He also has three-peated as SWAC champion from 1997 to 1999. As he leads the 2003 SWAC champions and SBN Black College National Champions, he is second behind the legendary, Ace W. Mumford. Mumford holds a record of (169-57-14) in the 25 years he lead the Jaguars.
Southern is holding a “Friends and Family” ticket special for Saturday’s game. Adults can purchase a regularly priced ticket ($28-$30) and get up to two children’s tickets for half price in the same section. Students with a valid Southern 2004 Fall ID can purchase a ticket for a friend for only $14 in section three, but only on the west side of the stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office on Scenic Highway. For more information call the SU Ticket Office at (225) 359-9328.
