Jags let clock run out in 24-21 loss to Jackson State

In the midst of the mud and rain, the Jaguars squandered a ten-point lead over the Tigers of Jackson State University before being defeated 24-21.
But, a different call or even simply a blown whistle and the game could have had a different ending.
Down 24-21, with 36 seconds left in the game, the referee put the ball into play at the JSU 18-yard line, and signaled for the clock to run. SU quarterback Terrence Levy, received the snap, looked for an open receiver, when he found none he ran forward into the JSU defenders, pitched the ball right to running back Carl Singleton. The ball went out of bounds at the JSU 10-yard line, with 15 seconds on the game clock. Fifteen seconds, which ticked away to zero, as the referees never stopped the clock.
The referee handling the out of bounds ball picked up the wet ball and toweled it off as they had done all night, while the SU offense prepared to execute one last play. One last attempt at a win against arch interstate rivals Jackson State.
“From what I could see, the official sat on the ball. He wouldn’t let us snap it,” an outraged head coach Richardson said.
A supposedly unfair end to an emotion filled game. But, head coach Pete Richardson feels the final result was justified.
“We just lost the game. We made too many mistakes,” said Richardson. “We squandered our opportunities and then gave it away. The only people we have to blame is ourselves.”
Southern led for the first 58 minutes of the game, securing a 21-11 lead, with Levy’s 2-yard run four seconds into the fourth quarter.
But it was Jackson State’s quarterback Robert Kent and his 2-yard quarterback sneak, which sealed the Jaguars fate. After gaining 80-yards on 16-plays Kent pitched into the endzone for the touchdown.
For the second year managed to out gain J-State for the lost. SU accumulated 339 yards to JSU’s 338.
After having the week off, the Southern University Jaguars will be in action against Mississippi Valley State University, in the Port City Classic to be held at Independence Stadium, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Saturday, October 27. Kickoff is set for 3p.m.