SWAC suspends and Fines Jackson State's Comegy

SWAC Suspends and Fines JSU's Comegy

Birmingham, Ala. - Jackson State University head football coach Rick Comegy has been suspended for one game (Saturday, November 13 vs. The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and fined $1,000.00 for violating the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s sportsmanship policy following the Tigers’ game at Alabama State on Saturday, November 6th.

Coach Comegy’s comments and actions following the contest violated SWAC policy which prohibits coaches, student-athletes, and administrators from making “Inappropriate/derogatory comments to the media about officials, coaches, student-athletes and administrators (or designee)."

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Our take on all of this...total overkill!  Coach Comegy is not the problem! The SWAC needs to adopt a policy for instant video replay in all league games and immediately procure the necessary equipment for next season.  Too bad coaches careers are being jeopardized by the lack of proficiency in the SWAC Zebras Corps.  Implementing an instant replay policy would resolve most of coaches and players concerns and provide the Zebras with a reliable tool to assist them in officiating the games.

Jackson State vs. Prairie View A&M

When: Today, 4 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Television: None
Radio: JSU Network (WHLA-95.5 FM, Jackson)
Records: Jackson State: 5-2, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference; Prairie View A&M: 5-3, 4-2 SWAC
History: Last meeting: Prairie View 30, Jackson State 27, 2007
All-time series: Jackson State leads 34-14-2

What a way to begin a critical season-ending four-game stretch than welcoming the defending SWAC champions into Memorial Stadium for homecoming. Already strapped with two SWAC losses, the Panthers likely won't catch Grambling in the SWAC West. Their motivation? A possible at-large bid into the Football Championship Subdivision's expanded playoffs, and, maybe more importantly, ruining JSU's homecoming and hampering the Tigers' path to the SWAC Championship Game.

Injuries exact toll on Tigers' defense

These days, a simple glance around the Jackson State practice field reveals plenty about the team's crippled defense. Linebacker Milton Patterson's left forearm is covered in a dark cast, protecting the broken bones in his wrist.

Cornerback Jeremy Keys wears a different shoe than everyone else because he's playing with a fractured foot. Defensive end Sam Washington spends some of his time watching from the sideline because of a sore lower back.



Boom warned about violations

JSU's marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, was publicly reprimanded this week by the Southwestern Athletic Conference for playing during game action. The Boom could be suspended or fined for more offenses. Conference rules state that "once the offensive team breaks the huddle and approaches the line of scrimmage, the band shall cease playing."

This particular offense, the league said in a statement, occurred during JSU's game against Alabama A&M on Oct. 9, but the Boom has been told by the head referee to stop playing during several other games this season.

Panthers loaded with motivation for clash with Tigers

When Eric "Shorty" Greene thinks of Prairie View A&M, he can't help but remember his playing days at Jackson State. Back then, in the early 1990s, Prairie View was on what would be an 80-game losing streak. The program gave few or no football scholarships. And, frankly, didn't give programs like JSU much trouble.

"When they got off the bus," Greene said, "we knew we were going to whip them."

Nowadays, Prairie View is anything but the Southwestern Athletic Conference's dog. In fact, the school won the conference last season. It was the first SWAC championship for the program in 45 years.

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JSU Tigers aiming to feast on Southern Jags

For offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson and quarterback Casey Therriault, it can't get much better than this. Owner of the best passing offense in the Football Championship Subdivision, Jackson State (4-1, 2-1 SWAC) hosts a Southern team that struggles in defending the pass.

The Jaguars (2-3, 1-2) have a young secondary that has just four interceptions through five games this season - that's next to last in the conference. "We like to throw a little bit," coach Rick Comegy said when asked about Southern's struggling pass D.

Game site puts Jags AD in pickle

Greg LaFleur is in a tight spot. On one hand, the Southern University athletic director has to please the school's rabid fan base. On the other, he has to raise money for the university. When LaFleur moved Southern's home football game last year against Jackson State to 60,000-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, it did two things:

It doubled the amount of money the school would have made had the game been played at the school's 24,000-seat A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge. And it ticked off many Jaguar fans.

Worth repeating: Stump Mitchell

His team stopped a three-game losing streak last week, dumping Mississippi Valley State to move to 2-3. Now comes the really fun part for Stump Mitchell & Co: stopping Jackson State. The Jaguars and Tigers tee it up at 6 p.m. Saturday in Veterans Memorial Stadium.

"It’s definitely good to be back here after a win. It’s been a tough three weeks for Southernites. It’s been a tough three weeks for the players and coaches as well. We’ve been preparing to get a victory...

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Title-minded Tigers, Bulldogs collide

A Michigan boy more used to snow flurries than sunburns, Casey Therriault had a lot to learn when he arrived in the Deep South just a few months ago. So, cut the Jackson State quarterback some slack if he didn't know the magnitude of the Alabama A&M-Jackson State game until a few days ago.

The important thing? He knows now. "Whoever wins goes to the SWAC championship," Therriault said Tuesday while walking off the practice field.

Tigers to face banged-up Dogs

Anthony Jones won't act like it's not an issue. It is. "When you get a chance to rest and get an extra week to prepare, it's an advantage," the Alabama A&M coach said.

The Bulldogs (2-3, 1-2 SWAC) travel to Jackson this weekend for a 4 p.m. meeting Saturday with Jackson State (3-1, 1-1). And they do so with - to use a cliche - the deck stacked against them.

Traditional powers A&M, JSU tangle

In the nutty, keep-you-on-your-toes Southwestern Athletic Conference, where this week’s contender is next week’s also-ran, no one yet knows how the Eastern Division race will play out.

Alabama State had the early lead, then dropped two straight games.

Jackson State's challenge is to stay on pace with Alcorn State

Jackson State’s hopes of reaching the SWAC championship game are on the line this weekend. The Tigers (3-1, 1-1) host Alabama A&M on Saturday in what’s considered an elimination game. The winner remains on pace with Alcorn State to win the East Division title and the loser faces an uphill climb.

Jackson State, coming off an open date, unexpectedly has one of Division I-AA’s top quarterbacks in Casey Therriault. The junior college transfer has produced three 300-yard passing games this season.

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JSU Darkside defense anything but against G-men

GRAMBLING, LA. — Milton Patterson dropped his head and frowned as he walked into the locker room following Jackson State's 28-21 loss to Grambling State on Saturday night. JSU's starting inside linebacker didn't have an answer for all of those gaping holes in the run defense or for all of those missed tackles.

"Frustrated right now," he mumbled. "I can't even think about it."

Clearly, Patterson was still awestruck by it all - and that's before he saw the statistics. Jackson State allowed 379 rushing yards, the most by an opponent under coach Rick Comegy and defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes' five years at the school. A defense once dubbed the Darkside was anything but Saturday.

Defense bends for GSU, holds

GRAMBLING — Grambling State and Jackson State's matchup Saturday lived up to the all the hype of the SWAC rivals' sixth meeting in less than three calendar years. In the end, coach Rod Broadway's Tigers needed a little bit of everything junior defensive back David Stuckman had to offer to hang on for a thrilling 28-21 victory.

Jackson State junior quarterback Casey Therriault spotted Anthony Mayes breaking toward the left side of the end zone as he dropped back on fourth-and-2 from the Grambling 12-yard line with the clock winding down to less than 10 seconds.

Air Raid grounded

GRAMBLING, LA. — High-powered and having fun, quarterback Casey Therriault and Jackson State's Air Raid offense entered Saturday's game at Grambling State overflowing with a confidence that this program hadn't seen in nearly a decade. They left with bruises - the kind that'll take more than a night to fade away.

Behind a stiff rushing attack and a hard-hitting, ball-hawking, blitz-crazy defense, Grambling beat Jackson State 28-21 Saturday night, ending the team's euphoric start to the 2010 season with one pounding of a loss.

Grambling opens SWAC schedule

Grambling State head coach Rod Broadway wasn't pleased with the way his defense played early in the season opener against Louisiana Tech. However, the Tigers' defense stiffened after the opening quarter at Independence Stadium and has since had what must seem like an eternity to improve.

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JSU Tigers make some history, deal more misery to Mississippi State Bulldogs‎

PEARL, MS — Quintavious Drains pumped his fist, walked toward the Jackson State dugout and then met the mob of players pouring out in ecstatic celebration. There were chest bumps, bear hugs, high-fives and even a bit of dancing. Yep, David had beaten Golliath. Jackson State beat Mississippi State 3-1 Tuesday night at Trustmark Park, knocking off the tradition-rich program for the first time in 18 years. The Tigers (29-14), in position to win their first SWAC title in a decade, won their 10th straight game and won for just the eighth time in 58 meetings with Mississippi Sate (20-24).

"We were ready. We were ready," said Drains, a sophomore pitcher who got the save. Said JSU coach Omar Johnson: "It means a lot to the people at the university." Meanwhile, the Bulldogs dropped their seventh straight and lost to JSU for the first time since an 8-4 defeat in Jackson in 1992. State, which was swept in the past two SEC weekend series, beat Jackson State 18-2 on April 6 in Starkville to make it 23 in a row over the Tigers. This time around the Bulldogs failed to handle Drains and JSU starter Cortney Nelson. They had a season-low three hits and hit into three double plays. Their only run came in the sixth on Connor Powers' homer.

PHOTO GALLERIES: JSU - MSU

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Absences giving coaches look at developing JSU Tigers

Jackson State has dealt with limited numbers this spring as the team goes through practices with many expected starters out due to injuries or grades. And you'd think that would be a concern for coaches like defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes, whose secondary has been without Anthony Johnson (toe), Jalil Johnson (academics), Qua Cox (academics) and Jeremy Keys (work obligations). The 15 NCAA-allowed drills are crucial to player development, but Hayes isn't stressed and sees an upside.

"I get the opportunity to see other guys play other positions that you wouldn't normally have them play," Hayes said. "Those (returnees) have played in game situations and they'll be here all summer. "It's those guys who haven't been in the thick of the battle - you don't know how they're going to react. Spring tells you if a guy's going to get gun-shy." There isn't much concern about Anthony Johnson, Jalil Johnson or Keys, who combined to play 25 games in 2009, but Cox saw action just once.

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NIT: JSU Issues Final Decision On Phillip Williams Incident at Mississippi State

Jackson State head men’s basketball coach Tevester Anderson has announced that sophomore guard Phillip Williams will not receive an athletic scholarship for the 2010-11 season. Williams’ athletics aid will not be renewed because of his actions during Jackson State’s NIT opening round game against Mississippi State. Anderson stated that Williams will have an opportunity to work his way back onto the Tigers team, but he will have to pay his own way.

“Phillip is a good young man who did a bad thing. He has not been a problem since being a member of our team,“ said Anderson. “However, I run a quality program and we will not tolerate any action that will tarnish the reputation of the University or the athletics department.

"Earlier this season I told everyone on the team that if you do anything that will negatively affect the program, then I will take your scholarship."

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has already suspended Williams for the opening game next season. Jackson State finished the season with a 19-13 overall record and a 17-1 SWAC mark. The Tigers won the SWAC regular season title. JSU’s 13 game winning streak was tied for fifth place, the longest streak under Anderson.



JSU Athletics Media Relations

Johnson's 32 not enough as JSU falls to MSU in NIT

JSU Coach Tevester Anderson

STARKVILLE, MS — Even in the moments leading up to the NIT opener at Mississippi State on Tuesday, no one was talking about Jackson State. The conversations inside Humphrey Coliseum still centered on Kentucky, a perceived NCAA Tournament snub, poor officiating and even an expected tiny crowd. JSU was the least of anyone's concern. Mississippi State won 81-67, as expected, but JSU caused a little more concern than any of the announced 4,433 inside Humphrey Coliseum thought it would. And that's been the story for this Tiger team - going against conventional thought.

Jackson State trailed by just five points with 14:15 remaining, but a flagrant foul and two technicals on Phillip Williams started the downward spiral. "Our guys have really overachieved," said JSU coach Tevester Anderson. "To win the regular season (SWAC ) championship is big for our program. We have to build off of this.

Game Photo Gallery: MSU - JSU

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Prairie View to play football in Shreveport

2009 SWAC champions Prairie View A&M has signed a two-year agreement to play a football game in Shreveport's Independence Stadium during the 2010 and 2011 football seasons, The Times has learned. The Panthers will play Southern University this fall and Jackson State next fall on the opening weekend of the State Fair. This year's game is set for Oct. 23.

"We are very excited to bring this event to Shreveport and Bossier City," Prairie View athletic director Fred Washington said. "We currently play Grambling during the Texas State Fair and draw in excess of 40,000 people for that. We're hoping for that type success here with all of the support we've already received." The contract is a three-way partnership between the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, Prairie View and the State Fair of Louisiana. SRSA executive director Mary Ann Tice said the contract can be renewed for two more seasons with Prairie View playing the same two schools.

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Jackson State Takes On Mississippi State In NIT 1st Round

Jackson, MS -- It's not the tournament either team had planned to play in, but Jackson State University and Mississippi State University will face off Tuesday night in Starkville in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament. Both the Tigers and Bulldogs had hopes of playing in the NCAA Tournament this year. JSU went 17-1 in the SWAC regular season, and MSU lived on the bubble for two weeks leading up to selection Sunday.

State had a chance to beat Kentucky in the SEC Tournament Championship Sunday, but the Wildcats forced overtime when Demarcus Cousins scored as time ran out. Kentucky eventually won the game 75-74 in overtime. JSU won the SWAC regular season title, but lost to Grambling in the first round of the conference tournament. The two Mississippi teams will tip-off Tuesday at 9 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN-U.

MSU to host JSU in NIT on Tuesday

Mississippi State and Jackson State will face each other in a first-round game of the National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday night at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville. A few hours after State lost 75-74 to No. 2-ranked Kentucky in the SEC Tournament final in Nashville, the Bulldogs received one of the four No. 1 seeds in the 32-team NIT. The MSU-JSU game will start at 9 p.m. (CDT) and be televised on ESPNU. The MSU-JSU winner will face either William & Mary or North Carolina, the reigning NCAA champion, in a second-round game.

By virtue of getting a No. 1 seed, Mississippi State (23-11) can host games up until the NIT semifinals, which are played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. State advanced to the NIT semifinals in 2007, where it lost to West Virginia. Jackson State (19-12) received its spot in the NIT by result of it winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season title. JSU blew through the SWAC with a 17-1 record, winning its first regular-season championship since sharing the title with Mississippi Valley State in 1996. It was the Tigers’ first outright championship since 1993. JSU went into the conference tournament as the No. 1 seed, but was knocked out in the first round with a 65-57 loss to No. 8 Grambling State.

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Jackson State: McDonald on spot in Spring

Dedric McDonald spoke with an assuredness Saturday that just wasn't there last year. The Jackson State quarterback was concise but also expounded on his thoughts when needed. Interviews and a lot of other things weren't so smooth in 2009 for the then-redshirt freshman. But McDonald swears that's changing as Jackson State begins spring practices today.

JSU quarterback Dedrick McDonald fumbles the ball against Alcorn State last season.

A lot has to change for McDonald if he plans to hold onto his job as the No. 1 quarterback when JSU starts the season against Delta State on Sept. 4. The Tigers went 3-7 with a horrid offense that ranked No. 9 in the SWAC (13.9 points a game) and subpar contributions from the quarterback position. Tray Rutland and McDonald were constantly flip-flopped in and out of the lineup as coach Rick Comegy searched for a playmaker. Neither ever separated himself as the duo combined to throw twice as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (6).

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FAMU rallies past Jackson State, 11-10

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Tobi Adeyemi’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth scored Daniel Lee as the Florida A&M University Baseball team rallied past Jackson State 11-10, here Saturday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field. FAMU (3-4-1) tallied a game high 17 hits, while JSU (2-6) finished with 10 hits. The Rattlers were paced by Adeyemi, who went five-for-six from the plate with five RBI’s, and scoring two runs, while the Tigers were led by Braneric Holmes, who went three-for-five from the plate with four RBI’s and scoring three runs.

FAMU head baseball coach Robert Lucus

Tobias Lee (1-0) picked up the win for FAMU, allowing two hits, one earned run and striking out two in three and one-third innings of relief. Cortney Nelson took the loss for JSU, allowing seven hits, five earned runs and striking out six in four and one-third innings of relief. The Rattlers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Darryl Evans scored on a Jimmie Terrell single. Holmes tied the game at 1-1 for the Tigers in the top of the second inning as he scored on a Louis Mila ground out to first base. In the bottom of the second inning, FAMU took a 3-1 lead as Scott Sheplak homered to left field and Jared Jeffries scored on an Adeyemi single up the middle.

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Jackson State Tigers on verge of SWAC crown

Garrison Johnson's mother, Rhonda, was the loudest person inside the Athletics and Assembly Center on Saturday night. That's anything but a surprise for the "team mom" who doubles as the most vocal Jackson State supporter at the few games she attends. But Rhonda didn't make the trip alone, or empty-handed. A handful of Johnson's relatives traveled from Georgia to see the team's captain and leading scorer play the final two home games of his career. Rhonda also brought her pots and pans to prepare a feast for the Tigers on Friday.

Johnson, who sported a muted smile while entertaining his entourage after a 63-51 win over Mississippi Valley State, hopes the celebration weekend goes beyond the Senior Day festivities. Jackson State will be crowned SWAC regular season champions with a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff this evening. "Every day this week, I told (the team) there's no championship without two wins," Johnson said. "It's amazing to be in this position right now. "(But, UAPB is) coming to play. They're fighting for a championship just like we are."

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Chicago Bulls -- Lindsey Hunter

Chicago Bulls guard Lindsey Hunter, a SWAC Hall of Famer who played basketball at Alcorn State and Jackson State, is defying the odds. The average NBA career is just five years, but Hunter is in his 17th season. Only Shaquille O’Neal, in his 18th season, has been in the league longer. This season, the average NBA player is 27.71 years. Hunter celebrated his 39th birthday on Dec. 3 and is the oldest player in the league.

The Detroit Pistons used the first of their back-to-back first round picks to select Hunter 10th overall in the 1993 NBA Draft, one spot ahead of University of Tennessee guard Allan Houston. Everyone else in 1993 draft class has moved on. Most notably No. 1 pick Chris Webber is an analyst on TNT’s NBA telecasts; Houston works in the New York Knicks’ front office, and Sam Cassell, the 24th pick, is an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards. Not Hunter, even though he said two years ago that he planned to retire at the end of the 2007-08 season. “I say that every year,” says Hunter, who is in his second season with the Bulls. “The biggest reason (for continuing to play) is I love the game. I really love the game of basketball.”

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Capital City Classic: Alcorn State 14, Jackson State 7

Braves defense dominates in Capital City Classic win

JACKSON, MS — When the Alcorn State Braves scored two quick touchdowns in the opening six minutes of the first quarter, most observers probably assumed their game against Jackson State Saturday would be a high-scoring one. However, the Alcorn State defense wound up being the story of the game, as the Braves did not score again after the quick 14 points. The Braves defense held the Tigers to negative 12 rushing yards on 38 attempts, and tallied eight tackles for a loss, en route to a 14-7 win in the Capital City Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Jackson State managed only one touchdown, a 38-yard pass reception by Anthony Mayes with less than two minutes left before halftime. Braves head coach Earnest Collins said his team felt like it had something to prove in terms of its rushing defense. “It was a challenge for our defensive guys,” Collins said. “We’ve been getting the ball run on us for the last couple of weeks. I’m so thankful that the Lord blessed me to have a coordinator like Zach Shay, because his temperament is, he wants to go, go, go, go, go. I knew that, at some point in time, he would get these guys going again.”

PHOTO GALLERY: Jackson State - Alcorn State

Rutland gets final chance, can't deliver win

Tray Rutland's collegiate football career ended Saturday on the turf of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Jackson State senior came off the bench in the first quarter but wasn't able to stop a 14-7 Alcorn State victory. The Capital City Classic, however, won't be the last time JSU fans can watch the strong-armed, 6-foot-3 lefty. Rutland plans to join the baseball team in the spring and pitch for coach Omar Johnson. In the meantime, Rutland will go down as one of the most talked about players since coach Rick Comegy took over the program. He was a highly-touted transfer out of Mississippi State but couldn't beat out Jimmy Oliver in 2007. He started most of 2008 and led JSU to a second consecutive SWAC Championship Game.

This season was supposed to be his time to shine, but he was benched in the first game and didn't return to the starting lineup until the fourth week. Inconsistency prompted his return to the bench in the seventh game against Mississippi Valley.

Collins, Braves add to Tigers' woe

Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins stood in the middle of the field at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, rain falling from the sky and chunks of ice resting on his head. As an announced 16,429 made their way out of building wet and cold, Collins wasn't bothered at all. Maybe that's because he had just been hit with a celebratory Gatorade shower and was being handed a trophy for a 14-7 win over Jackson State in the Capital City Classic, ending a two-year run by the Tigers. "I'm kind of at a loss for words," Collins said. "We started preparing for 2010 this week.



Attendance: 16,429@ Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS

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Jackson State Tigers 22, Southern Jaguars 14

JSU Coach Rick Comegy

Southern falls to JSU, 22-14

JACKSON, Miss. -- Southern suffered a 22-14 loss to Jackson State tonight. The Jaguars (3-2) led 7-3 at halftime, but they fell victim to 12 points by the Tigers in the final quarter. Quarterback Trae Rutland threw for 236 yards and rushed for another 127 as JSU (1-3) picked up its first victory of the season. Southern led 14-10 in the fourth quarter, but Jackson State's Eric Perri hit field goals of 38 and 43 yards to give the Tigers a 16-14 edge with 3:44 remaining. JSU pushed its edge to 22-14 on Bloi-Dei Dorzon's 9-yard TD run with 1:14 to go. Southern blocked the extra-point attempt to leave open a chance for overtime.

Massive letdown

JACKSON, Miss. — Fans filled every section. The bands blared. The stadium came alive. It was Jackson State and Southern, going full-tilt for four quarters. This was what the SU athletic department had in mind when it moved Saturday’s home game to Veterans Memorial Stadium. From a dollars-and-cents standpoint, the operation was a success. And while Southern’s hopes of a Southwestern Athletic Conference title didn’t die Saturday night, the Jaguars walked off the field with their heads searching every inch of the grass after a stunning 22-14 loss before 33,977 fans. Players knew their championship hopes had been severely crippled.

Quick trip home lets Southern wear blue

JACKSON, Miss. — All along, Southern had planned to wear its new blue jerseys for Saturday’s game against Jackson State. The Jaguars wore blue jerseys, all right. Just not the blue jerseys they planned on wearing. Between the team’s walk through Friday and their warmups Saturday, four of SU’s new blue game jerseys went missing from Veterans Memorial Stadium, SU spokesman Kevin Manns said. Equipment manager Derek Price drove home to Baton Rouge and boxed up last year’s home jerseys, which he’d kept in storage. Price spent much of Saturday morning and afternoon removing name plates from the jerseys and preparing them for the game, Manns said. The last time SU wore those jerseys was in a 15-0 win Nov. 15 against Alabama State in Mobile, Ala.

SU unable to close deal

JACKSON, Miss. — Southern had the ball on its 25-yard line, down 16-14, with 3:35 left to play. Bryant Lee, Brian Threat and Juamorris Stewart had been bottled up all game. It was time for someone to step forward and make a play. Lee jogged out and readied himself for the drive that would have put his team ahead. At that point a field goal was all the Jaguars needed. What happened next, Lee would like to forget. Hit as he threw, Lee dropped back and floated the ball 10 yards. Breaking on the ball, Jackson State’s Ryan Rich moved in for the interception. Just like that, the SU defense was thrust back onto the field and asked to make a stop. Setting up shop at the SU 35 with 3:30 remaining, JSU quarterback Trae Rutland preceded to hand the ball off to Bloi-Dei Dorzan and let him go to work.

Rutland gets the job done

It wasn't a perfect day for Tray Rutland, but it was surely good enough. In four games the senior quarterback has gone from starter, to being benched for an entire game, to playing the second half, to starting again on Saturday. His topsy-turvy season went hand-in-hand with Jackson State's 0-3 start. Thanks to Rutland's best performance of the year, Jackson State pulled out a much-needed 22-14 victory over Southern in front of an announced 33,977. Rutland finished with 236 passing yards and 47 rushing yards. He didn't throw a touchdown and had an interception. Not exactly most valuable player numbers, but Rutland did enough. And for the first time this season, the quarterback position wasn't a negative for Jackson State.

Attendance: 33,977 @ Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS

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Tennessee State Tigers 14, Jackson State Tigers 7

TSU QB Calvin McNairl scores over hapless JSU.

Tennessee State's streak reaches 7 victories in Southern Heritage ...

MEMPHIS — The Jackson State football team went over 55 minutes without scoring a single point inside the Liberty Bowl on Saturday. But, amazingly, with seven seconds remaining on the clock, JSU still had a shot. That shot, from the arm of Dedric McDonald, fell harmlessly to the turf as Jackson State fell 14-7, its seventh straight loss to Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic. "It had nothing to do with them, we just weren't clicking," JSU starting QB Mike Mosley said. "It's really frustrating, we're much better. I just don't know."

The day was horrid for a JSU offense that was starting its second quarterback in as many weeks. A third, McDonald, entered the game just before halftime after Mosley injured his shoulder. McDonald took his team to the brink, and was a dropped touchdown pass away from tying the game at 14 apiece. "I don't know," JSU coach Rick Comegy said when asked about the offense. "The film will tell us."

Photo Galleries: JSU - TSU

Win caps big week for TSU quarterback

Quarterback becomes a dad, is named MVP...
MEMPHIS — Calvin McNairl stood at midfield, holding his most valuable player trophy, after leading Tennessee State to a 14-7 win over Jackson State in the 20th Southern Heritage Classic on Saturday night. But when asked what had been the best part of his week, it was a tough decision for the Tigers sophomore quarterback. Earlier in the week, McNairl became the father of a baby girl. Then, he was named TSU's starting quarterback, replacing Dominic Grooms, who suffered a severe hamstring injury in last week's season opener.

Finally, in his first start since 2007, McNairl not only won the game, but also he was awarded the MVP trophy in front of the 43,306 who turned out at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. ''God works in mysterious ways,'' McNairl said. ''It's been a long week. This has been the best week ever. I can't explain how much this week means.'' TSU had to hold on at the end, as Jackson State reached the Tigers' 3 in the final seconds. McNairl rushed 14 times for 101 yards and a touchdown while completing four of 11 passes for 43 yards.

TSU turns to McNairl at quarterback

Tennessee State will turn to its third quarterback of the season Saturday, with Calvin McNairl stepping in as the starter against Jackson State at the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis. McNairl, a sophomore from Henry County, will replace Dominic Grooms, who started in Saturday's 24-7 loss to Alabama A&M and suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter.
Grooms was replaced by sophomore Jeremy Perry. McNairl started the last four games as a freshman in 2007 when Antonio Heffner was hurt. McNairl redshirted last year.

QB lifts Tennessee State over Jackson State in Southern Heritage Classic

Calvin McNairl stood at midfield, holding his Most Valuable Player trophy, after leading his Tennessee State team to a 14-7 victory over Jackson State in the 20th Southern Heritage Classic on Saturday night. But when asked what had been the best part of his week, it was a tough decision for the Tigers redshirt sophomore quarterback. Earlier last week, McNairl became the father of a baby girl. Then, he was named TSU's starting quarterback, replacing Dominic Grooms who suffered a severe hamstring in last week's season opener. Finally, in his first start, McNairl not only won the game, but was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy in front of 43,306 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

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Mississippi State 45, Jackson State 7

Dogs deliver

Hungry Mississippi State fans waited nine long months for Dan Mullen's coaching debut. Then, they had to wait about 30 extra minutes because of lightning that accompanied a pre-game rainstorm. That's not all. They then had to wait another two sluggish quarters before Mullen's Bulldogs carried through on his preseason vow: "THIS is going to be exciting." Finally, it was. Here's some of what we can take from State's 45-7 victory over Jackson State in the first-ever meeting between a Southeastern Conference team and one from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Great idea. All tickets were sold. Tail-gating fans jammed this lovely, old campus. State got what it wanted, a capacity crowd and a relatively easy victory. Jackson State earned the biggest payday in school history. This was a no-brainer. Let's do it again. Next time, JSU, bring a long snapper.

JSU was over-matched with SEC foe Mississippi State Bulldogs. Coach Comegy had no answers for Bulldog attack before full house of 54,232 fans.

QB Rutland struggles but keeps job

The saga surrounding Tray Rutland continued Saturday as Jackson State lost 45-7 to Mississippi State at Scott Field. The JSU quarterback was named the starter last week despite coach Rick Comegy having named redshirt freshman Dedric McDonald the No. 1 the previous two weeks. Rutland's performance was fairly consistent with what fans have seen over the past few years. There were flashes of brilliance, like his 52-yard pass to Keenan Tillman and a 32-yarder to Carlos Everett. Then there was the interception to Corey Broomfield, who returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Rutland threw a touch pass down the middle of the field when he should have put more arm into the pass.

He completed 8 of 19 passes for 132 yards with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. Rutland led JSU with 46 rushing yards on 14 carries. "I thought (he) was spotty," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "He made some good calls and some good checks ... but I know Tray Rutland has a better football game in him than what he displayed today. There's a lot we got to talk about from an offensive point of view."

Kareem Copeland's Talking Points

Special teams meltdown. There's a sure-fire way to take yourself out of a game when playing up a division - poor special teams play. That's exactly what Jackson State put on the field on Saturday. JSU found out only this week that long snapper LaDarius Kimp, who was a late addition to camp, was not eligible. So, receiver Cedric Dixon was forced into action with just two days practice, coach Rick Comegy said.

Dixon, who just returned from an injury to practice this week, had three snaps on punts that never got six inches off the ground. Punter Brett Bennett had to dive on two, giving MSU the ball inside JSU's 25-yard line both times. Fortunately for JSU, the Bulldogs only came away with seven points after missing a field goal on the second miscue. The question is: Why hadn't another long snapper been prepared if Kimp's paperwork wasn't submitted and his status was in doubt?What happened to the GP?

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Jackson State alters recruiting philosophy

For most football teams, a 7-5 record can be viewed as a good season. Darius Bolela didn't come to Jackson State for good seasons. Growing up in Jackson, Miss., Bolela is well versed in the tradition of JSU football. He understands the importance to Tiger fans and boosters of winning Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, especially after watching his hometown team win the 2007 league title.

That's why after seeing his team fall short of the SWAC title last year, he is entering his sophomore season on a mission. "I want to lead my team to victory and getting back to the championship,'' Bolela said. ''I came into this season saying, 'I'm from Jackson. I know how Jackson State ball is supposed to be...' I'm putting the team on my back this year."

Bolela isn't the only one looking to change things at JSU. Coach Rick Comegy took a different approach toward recruiting. Rather than going after a host of junior college transfers as he had in the past, and like most of his fellow coaches at historically black colleges do, Comegy decided to focus on recruiting freshmen. In doing so, Comegy hopes to build a solid foundation that will serve his program well in the years to come.

The combination of Darius Bolela (Smash), Luther Edwards (Crash) and Bloi-Dei Dorzan (Dash) are poised to make the Jackson State running game one of the best in the SWAC - no exceptions. Senior RB Dorzon, a 5-9/205 speed demon (#2 in photo) is from New Carrollton, (Prince George's County) Maryland.

JSU Tigers 2009 Schedule

09/05/09 at Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Southern Heritage Classic:
09/12/09 vs.Tennessee State (Memphis, TN) 6:00 p.m. CT
W.C. Gorden Classic:
09/19/09 Grambling St. Jackson, MS 3:30 p.m. CT
10/03/09 at Southern Jackson, MS 6:00 p.m. CT
10/10/09 vs. Arkansas - Pine Bluff Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
10/17/09 vs. Texas Southern Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
10/24/09 at Mississippi Valley State Itta Bena, MS 1:00 p.m. CT
Homecoming:
11/07/09 vs. Alabama State Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
Magic City Classic:
11/14/09 at Alabama A&M Huntsville, AL 1:00 p.m. CT
11/21/09 vs. Alcorn State Jackson, MS 1:00 p.m. CT
12/12/09 vs. SWAC Championship Game Birmingham, AL 1:00 p.m. CT

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