Jackson State's O-line has improved drastically

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Jackson State offensive linemen wrote their goals on a piece of paper and posted it on a wall in their meeting room, highlighting their desire to reduce the number of sacks allowed and giving the team’s running backs an opportunity to rush for more yards this season.

So far, so good.

The Tigers gave up 26 sacks and rushed for an average of 3.6 yards per carry last season. They are on pace to allow 22 sacks and have averaged 3.6 yards per attempt this season, figures that are slightly skewed because the Tigers have already played three of their toughest opponents.

“Combination of (scheme, personnel and the linemen being more motivated have helped),” offensive line coach Matt Jones. “The acquisition of techniques has definitely helped. We’ve spent a significant amount of time on pass blocking technique and pick-ups.”

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