Streaking JSU Tigers eye penalty woes

By Kareem Copeland, Clarion Ledger

THE JSU GAME
What: Jackson State vs. Grambling State
When: noon Saturday
TV: ESPN Classic

Life is sweet around the campus of Jackson State with the football team winning four straight games.

The Tigers (4-2, 4-0 SWAC) rank in the league's top four in total offense, total defense, scoring offense and scoring defense.

And a victory over Grambling State (5-1, 5-0) on Saturday would leave JSU as the lone undefeated team in conference play.

But two statistical categories loom over the team, waiting to wreak havoc at an inopportune time.

Jackson State is dead last in penalty yardage (105.2 ypg) and No. 6 in turnover margin (minus-1).

The Tigers pulled out a 32-26 victory over Southern last weekend, but were flagged nine times for 53 yards. The Jaguars were plus-3 in turnovers.

JSU was flagged eight times for 142 yards in a 32-20 win over Alabama State two weeks ago. The Hornets were plus-1 in turnovers.

Neither game would have been as close if not for JSU penalties and turnovers.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Jackson State receiver Chris Johnson was tabbed SWAC Offensive Player of the Week after five receptions for a career-high 160 yards and a touchdown.

Prairie View A&M defensive end Jon Johnson was the defensive representative after 10 tackles, one for loss, three quarterback hurries and a sack in a 17-6 win over Alabama State.

Grambling State freshman running back Frank Warren was named Newcomer of the Week after 92 rushing yards on 17 carries, including two touchdowns.

Grambling State's Tim Manuel was the top specialist of the weekend. The senior averaged 43.1 yards on seven punts, downing three inside the 20-yard line. Manuel also connected on a 45-yard field goal and three extra points.

Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band and the J-Settes (10/13/2007) leaving Southern's A.W. Mumford Stadium after VICTORY over Jaguars.