Hughes disappointed but optimistic after ASU loss

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State coach Tony Hughes was still getting over the disappointment from Saturday's 14-7 loss to Alabama State, but seemed upbeat when he addressed the media at his regular Monday press conference.

Hughes called Saturday's loss to Alabama State "frustrating and heartbreaking" for his team.

"Our guys played hard, gave great effort," Hughes said. "The game turned into a defensive struggle, a slug-fest. Bottom line is we weren't able to make a play in a crucial situation that would have given us the victory. Give them credit, they made two more plays than we did."

The Tigers fell to 3-6 overall and, more importantly, 3-4 in the SWAC. But thanks to losses by Alcorn State and Alabama A&M, Hughes' team finds themselves still tied with Alcorn for first in the SWAC Eastern division.

A win over Alabama A&M this Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium would set up a showdown with Alcorn State in Lorman the following weekend with the division title on the line.

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