Attendance for Southern home games decreasing; SU looks to draw huge crowd for home opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - When Southern takes on Mississippi Valley State on Thursday night, there’s really no telling how many fans will show up to A.W. Mumford Stadium.

As the Jaguars’ home and Southwestern Athletic Conference opener in a make-or-break season for the coaching staff, it’s certainly a big game. Then again, it’s on a weeknight, it’s on television, and the Delta Devils aren’t exactly a buzzworthy opponent with a huge following.

“I have not spoken with a single person — and these are people who have been affiliated with the school for 20 or 30 years — who has said, ‘Look, here’s about how many you can expect,’ ” Athletic Director William Broussard said. “We’re going to open the doors, tailgate and let folks in.”

While no one can say what the turnout will be this week or this season, it’s a safe bet that it won’t be what it used to be. As Southern’s reputation as a football power has slipped, attendance has slid with it.

According to the NCAA’s online database ...

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Southern looks to draw huge crowd for home opener

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Southern University is getting ready for its home opener football game against Mississippi Valley State Thursday.

The game will be nationally-televised on ESPNU. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. It is also the SWAC opener for the Jaguars.

The team is looking to bounce back from its 66-21 loss to New Mexico.

Head coach Stump Mitchell hopes running back Sylvester Nzekwe can get on the field for 20 plays or so, while also working fellow rusher Jerry Joseph back into the fold as well.

However, Darius Coleman and Terrance Clayton are expected to get most of the carries.

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