MEAC/ SWAC Kickoff Challenge Recap!
The 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge provided a thrilling showcase of talent and competition between the South Carolina State University Bulldogs and the Jackson State University Tigers teams. This annual event, which takes place at the start of the season, and it’s a great chance for teams to get off to a great start and set themselves up for success for the rest of the season. This year's game was especially noteworthy as two years prior the SCSU Bulldogs had ended the JSU Tigers' undefeated season in the Celebration Bowl of 2021. Despite this, the Tigers were able to prevail in a decisive 37-7 victory.
Coming into this game the SCSU Bulldogs were not aware of just how impactful the JSUTigers team was going to be. At SWAC Media Day the new Head Coach, TC Taylor made it known that teams will not know what they are bringing forward to the field and that is exactly what he wanted. He wanted teams to be surprised at how much he had added to the program after former Head Coach Deion Sanders decided to part ways with the program. Many were unsure if the team would still be as strong, while others like Head Coach Buddy Pough knew the team would only be tougher based on how HC Taylor operates.
It is safe to say that the Tigers were not only tougher, they were simply better. The Tigers dominated from the start of the game forcing a 3 and out on the first possession for SCSU by defensive tackle Devonta Davis (Sr., 6-3, 296). That same force and energy roared throughout the rest of the game for the defense.
On the offensive side for the Tigers the run game was quickly established and set the tone for how the game would be. Runningbacks JD Martin (Sr., 6-1, 195) and Irv Mulligan (Gr., 5-10, 205) showed off their agility and speed as they rotated to keep the rushing yards up for Jackson State. Both players seemed to trick the defense as they were unable to stop their explosive runs. All in all the Tigers looked like a well oiled machine who had properly prepared during the offseason.
The same can not be said for SCSU. They struggled from the very beginning, they had a moment of momentum during their 4th possession that was lost after a penalty called for blocking below the waist caused them a 15 yard push back. From there they continued to struggle as their QB Corey Fields (r-sr., 6-0, 200) managed to complete only 7 passes out of 20 attempts.
Moving on to the defense, the Bulldogs were handled by the JSU offense. They could not stop the run nor the short passes. They even allowed a screen pass to wide open TE Jency Riley (Jr., 6-4, 225) for a touchdown which wrapped that drive up in 4 minutes in 92 yards. Although, the Bulldogs never stopped fighting to the end- their fight just did not seem to work in their favor.
During the post game conference HC Pough acknowledged his team's struggles along with coaching mistakes, and vowed to revamp the direction of the team for their next conference games. He also made it known that they have some new members on their coaching staff, and it will take them some time to put all the pieces together to the winning puzzle. Coach Pough has high hopes and regard for his team and is looking forward to the rest of the 2023 season.
HC Taylor was elated over the win but made it known that it is simply one game. They have many more ahead and want to continue to conquer down the road leading with discipline, class, and skill. HC Taylor is happy to be a top contender for the SWAC this year, and all eyes are locked in for the 2023 Celebration Bowl.
The game was attended by a record-breaking 24,238 fans, making it the highest single-game attendance in Atlanta and the third highest in the history of the challenge.
The JSU offense's longest offensive drive of the game was just 2:32 and was capped off by a 21-yard touchdown reception by D. J. Stevens (GR., 6- 4, 235).
JSU's offense set a single-game scoring record with a long scoring drive of 8:16 at the end of the fourth quarter.
There is no question that this victory in the MEAC /SWAC Challenge will give JSU, along with its passionate fan base, a much-needed boost as the team progresses into its regular season schedule. It will be interesting to witness just how much this augurs well for a successful season ahead as the focus shifts to the upcoming 2023 Celebration Bowl.
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