Southern rolls to 34-24 win over Prairie View in SWAC opener

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Southern had to adapt to a variety of changes that it couldn’t control during its nonconference schedule.

Then, when the Jaguars opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play Saturday night, they chose to make several changes that paid big dividends in a 34-24 victory against Prairie View at Blackshear Field.

After using Austin Howard to relieve Deonte Shorts in a quarterback platoon in the first three games, Southern started Howard and played him the whole way. The true freshman from West St. John responded by throwing for one touchdown and running for another.

Howard was an efficient 8-of-15 for 108 yards as, after a series of losses at wide receiver, the Jaguars turned to a power running game. Lenard Tillery responded with 135 yards and a touchdown before limping off with cramps in the fourth quarter.

Throw in a boost that first-time starters ...

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