Thursday, September 13, 2007

Oliver to start for JSU tonight

Senior Jimmy Oliver will be the starting quarterback when Jackson State hosts Texas Southern tonight at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Oliver and sophomore Tray Rutland have been battling for starting job, struggling while completing less than 33 percent of their passes.

JSU coach Rick Comegy said Oliver's track record from last season, when he threw for 1,906 and 14 touchdowns, was the deciding factor.

"We just feel that Jimmy's the man to lead us because he's done it before," Comegy said.

Oliver is 10-for-30 passing this season for 121 yards, one TD and one interception. Rutland is 9-for-28 for 112 yards, no TDs and two interceptions.

After Rutland played most of last Saturday's 16-13 loss to Tennessee State, Oliver skipped a film session on Sunday. But both Comegy and Oliver have said it was an isolated incident that won't happen again.

"That was just the devil right there," Oliver said. "But now I'm back right and ready to go. It's time to get this offense going and it's time to show coach that I'm a winner."

INJURY REPORT

Jackson State offensive tackle Terrael Williams will likely miss tonight's game with a strained back muscle. Williams, a 6-foot-8, 390-pound freshman, should return within a few weeks...Fullback Edward Lee (ankle) is schedule to make his debut after missing the first two games of the season.

- David Brandt

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