Photo: The JSU defense shutdown Texas Southern for most of the first half.(J.D. Schwalm/The Clarion-Ledger)
By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger
Some nasty weather and an even nastier Jackson State defense led to a night to forget for Texas Southern.
The Maroon Tigers had just 30 total yards and minus-39 yards on the ground. JSU had 13 tackles for a loss, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
"Guys like (defensive end) Daniel Brooks and (linebacker) Marcellus Speaks, they'll ring your bell if you're not watching what you're doing out there," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "We've got guys really flying to the football and making some plays."
Jackson State's defense forced Texas Southern into an abysmal 8-for-45 passing performance. On top of the three interceptions, the secondary had countless more deflections.
Cornerback Domonique Johnson, a Missouri transfer, had two interceptions, but he was angry at himself because he could have easily had two more on a night when Texas Southern's quarterbacks were more than generous.
"The rule is, if you can touch it, you should catch it," Johnson said. "A little rain isn't going to stop us from doing anything. The only thing that can stop us is lightning, and then only if the refs make us leave the field."
At 6 feet 2, Johnson has the kind of height in the secondary that Comegy sought in the off-season after watching his team get burned by long pass plays last season.
Newcomers Oliver McNeil (6 feet 2), Jeremy Pierce (6-3) and Johnson were all on the field at different times as Texas Southern rarely found an open receiver.
"Now we've got enough solid guys back there that we can rotate them and keep them fresh," Comegy said. "I think that's going to make a big difference for us."
Photo: Sam Washington attemps to recover a fumbled snap by Texas Southern's Donnie Shorts in the second quarter. TSU rectained possession.
A DIFFICULT ENCORE
Running back Erik Haw had one of his best games in a JSU uniform last Saturday with 82 yards on 17 carries against Tennessee State.
But that momentum was hard to carry through the Texas Southern game as Haw had just 59 rushing yards on 23 carries. Soggy field conditions made running for both teams very difficult.
Quarterback Jimmy Oliver added 48 yards rushing on 10 carries, while newly converted fullback Jamile Owens, who weighs in at about 280 pounds, rumbled 16 yards on a big carry midway through the second quarter.
ODDS AND ENDS
Sophomore safety Malcolm Palmer had his third interception in three games on Thursday, a mark which leads the SWAC. ... Tray Rutland played quarterback in the fourth quarter for Jackson State, completing 1 of 4 passes for minus-11 yards. ... A slick football led to nine fumbles between the two teams - five for Jackson State and four for Texas Southern. ... JSU took the brunt of the yellow flags, being penalized 15 times for 149 yards. Texas Southern had four penalties for 25 yards. ... With the win, Comegy evened his record at Jackson State to 7-7.
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