JACKSON, Mississippi - On an otherwise dark, dreary and damp Saturday inside a partially filled Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson State running back Tommy Gooden flashed a smile that seemed to sum up the Tigers’ joyous mood.
One week removed from an ugly 28-21 loss to previously winless Southern University in their home opener, the Tigers slugged their way to a 34-13 win over winless Prairie View A&M before an announced crowd of 6,566. They did it behind their best rushing performance of the season.
JSU piled up a season-high 256 yards on the ground on 58 attempts — also a season high — to bury the Panthers. And it was Gooden leading the way with 135 yards. He even provided the exclamation point to the victory with a 15-yard touchdown run off the left tackle with 5:25 left.
Gooden’s 18 carries on the night matched his season total of 18 entering the game. Given the heavier workload, it was understandable he was a little slow getting to the interview room afterward.
JACKSON, Mississippi - Qua Cox and his Jackson State teammates entered Saturday’s game with Prairie View without a turnover to their name. That’s not the case today.
Cox intercepted a pair of passes and teammates Richard Hughes and Caleb Lester each had one pick apiece in the Tigers’ 34-13 victory. It came shortly after coach Rick Comegy challenged the redshirt junior to start making more plays and cause more turnovers.
Cox’s first pick was an acrobatic move that came after he appeared to be beaten. He showed off his closing speed and made a leaping pick in front of the Prairie View sideline. His second led to the eventual go-ahead touchdown for the Tigers.
Cox said he wasn’t surprised to see the Panthers attack his side so often. “I’m one of the best corners in the SWAC,” Cox said. “So if they want to go at me and try to think I’m not good, it is what it is.”
Prairie View coach Heishma Northern said he recently told one NFL scout Cox could play in the league “right now.”
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