The Southern University Jaguars played host to the Alcorn State University Braves in a thrilling homecoming game that showcased the heart and determination of both teams. In a pivotal matchup that would dictate who would control the SWAC West, fans were energized for a thrilling matchup.
The game commenced with the Braves establishing an early lead, demonstrating their offensive prowess with a stunning 64-yard rushing touchdown by Alcorn’s Tavarious Griffin on a 4th and 1 situation, allowing Alcorn to take the lead 7-0 late in the first quarter. The Southern defense had to recalibrate quickly, but the Jaguars remained undaunted by the early setback. Southern’s response came in the second quarter, where Junior quarterback Noah Bodden took matters into his own hands. With 11:04 remaining on the clock, Bodden dashed into the end zone for a 15-yard rushing touchdown, tying the score at 7-7.
Southern continued to apply pressure to the Alcorn State Braves by Bodden connecting on a 37-yard passing touchdown to senior wide receiver Datraveon Brown for a scintillating 37-yard touchdown pass. The explosive play gave the Jags the lead 14-7, with just over five minutes left in the second quarter. However, due to a turnover in scoring territory by the Jaguars, the Braves would capitalize by scoring late in the second quarter, tying the game at 14.
The majority of the second half was in a gridlock as both defenses showcased toughness, grit, and physicality, creating
a scoreless 3rd quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars seized the opportunity to reclaim the lead. Southern’s senior kicker Joshua Griffin calmly executed a 39-yard field goal with less than 7 minutes remaining, giving the Jaguars a 17-14 lead. The crowd erupted, rallying behind their team as they sensed victory was within reach. Junior defensive back Rodney Johnson Jr forced a fumble that was recovered by redshirt freshman safety Herman Brister III on the assuming possession. Sophomore running back Kendric Rhymes unleashed a 51-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 24-14 with less than 3 minutes remaining. With a final score of 24-14, the Jaguars
would now gain first place in the SWAC West, controlling their destiny to receive a bid to the SWAC Championship game.
The Southern Jaguars were impressive running the football, gaining 295 rushing yards. Per WAFB Channel 9 News, Head Coach Terrance Graves evaluated if this was the offensive line’s best performance of the season, “No question about it; I mean those guys they played had a really really good defense. They stopped us two times on 4th and 1, so we knew they were a really really good defense, but those guys hung in there, and they anchored down, and then they started laying on them and laying on them, and then one became two, two became four, and four became 10.”
Kendric Rhymes finished with 133 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Rhymes provided his thoughts on the game to WAFB Channel 9 News, “A get back feel good cause last year, we know how it felt when we went down there to Alcorn, it didn’t feel too good. Um, they ran us, so tonight, to run them, it feels real good, so like a payback, that’s all I was looking for; just a good payback; and it feel real good.”
The Jaguars are now preparing for the Florida A&M Rattlers. The Jaguars haven’t beaten the Rattlers since 2012. The game is set for a 6 P.M. kickoff at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.
