The Southern University Jaguars were on the road to face the Alabama A&M Bulldogs after a crushing defeat to the Florida A&M Rattlers 24-6. The Jaguars have historically been dominant in the all-time series versus the Bulldogs, coming in 14-7 in 21 matchups. In the 22nd matchup, the Jags looked to continue those winning ways, coming into the matchup winning 8 straight against the Bulldogs.
A critical question for the Jaguars’ football team was who would start at the quarterback position. The answer was redshirt freshman quarterback Czavian Teasett, who was making his first start since being injured at Jackson State. At first, the Jags struggled tremendously in the first quarter against the Bulldogs, including missing a 48-yard field goal.
However, the defense was showing some early struggles against the Bulldogs’ offense, which was led by dual-threat quarterback Xavier Lankford. On the Bulldogs’ second possession, they scored, taking an early lead of 7-0. However, the defense would fight back, with redshirt freshman safety Herman Brister III forcing an interception.
It would take the Jags until the latter half of the second quarter to score on an 11-yard passing touchdown from Teasett to redshirt freshman wide receiver Darren Morris, trailing the Bulldogs 6-10. Senior kicker Joshua Griffin would add a 35-yard field goal to the Jags’ total before halftime, allowing for an intense second half to take place with the Jags losing 9-10.
The Jags offense flipped a different switch in the second half as the passing game started to look elite. Teasett and Morris would connect again on a 36-yard passing touchdown, with Jags taking the lead 16-10. Another field goal would be added on at the end of the third quarter, meaning the Jags scored 19 straight unanswered points, leading 19-10 going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter proved to be an electrifying finish as the Bulldogs locked in and chipped away the Jags’ lead, including taking a lead later on, 20-19, with less than four minutes remaining in the game. This provided a pivotal opportunity for Teasett to showcase his clutch ability with the game on the line, SWAC West on the line, and the Jags’ potential journey to a SWAC Championship on the line.
Teasett would lead an incredible drive, completing 5 of his 8 passes, including the game-winning 14-yard passing touchdown to senior tight end Dupree Fuller, as the Jags would win 25-20.
Teasett provided insight into the Jags’ comeback victory per WAFB Channel 9 News, “We knew adversity was going to set in, so we said as a team we need to stay together no matter what. Rather we score six touchdowns or we down by one hundred, we just need to stay together, and I think we did a good job of that.”
Head Coach Terrance Graves talked about Teasett’s effort per WAFB Channel 9 News, “Yeah, I did expect that; that’s the type of quarterback he is, that doesn’t surprise me. I’m glad that he stayed in the frame, and listen, he made a few mistakes, missed a few reads, but all in all, he played a really good football game.”
Fuller also spoke with WAFB Channel 9 News about Teasett evolving as a player. “Sometimes, I forget how many years of eligibility he does have and how much inexperience he does have, but he definitely does play like a veteran out there, and I’m very comfortable with him at quarterback.
Teasett finished 24 for 37 for 294 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Darren Morris finished the day with 2 touchdowns and 96 receiving yards.
The Jags will face Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA, on November 9, 2024, at 2 P.M.
