Les East: The Jaguars keep rolling through SWAC play, but their brief spells of distraction are a little worrisome

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Things seem to have come easily for Southern in its first three Southwestern Athletic Conference games.

And that’s a double-edged sword.

On one side, it shows the Jaguars are capable of winning a third consecutive West Division title. They dominated Mississippi Valley State 50-13, handled Jackson State 50-31 and toyed with Alabama State 45-34 on Saturday night in ASU Stadium.

On the other side, it creates an opportunity for a team to lose its edge if it’s not careful.

Obviously the offense has moved the ball and scored points with ease, and the defense and special teams have played well enough for Southern to go 3-for-3 without being seriously threatened.

But for much of the second half Saturday — and for brief spells in the first two SWAC games — the Jaguars seemed to lose their edge and let the opponent set the tone. It didn’t last long enough for the outcome to be in doubt, but it was enough to suggest this team is still learning how to put opponents away efficiently.



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