Jackson State won't let Arkansas-Pine Bluff throw deep

WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Some plays can’t be forgotten.

For Jackson State, it was the 95-yard touchdown pass by Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Benjamin Anderson that forced overtime in last year’s Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship. UAPB beat JSU 24-21.

“We work on not getting beat at all, but especially not getting beat deep, in the long balls, especially in the zone coverage,” defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes said.

After last year’s heartbreaking loss, Hayes said the team has worked on not letting that happen, again. The Tigers (3-2, 3-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) and Golden Lions meet Saturday for the first time since the title game last December. And they face the same quarterback who threw that piercing touchdown.

Safety Cameron Loeffler is one of the six returning defensive starters from that game and remembers Anderson. As he should. Jackson State played Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-4, 0-2) twice last season and lost both times.

CONTINUE READING