Jackson State’s head coach Deion Sanders says he couldn’t remember what he told his team at halftime because “I was that mad.” Jackson State hadn’t earned a victory over Grambling State since 1999. Sanders wasn’t going to see another one slip away.
Grambling State is circled on Jackson State’s list of rivals every season. However, Jackson State hadn’t beaten them since 1999. JSU’s head coach Deion Sanders was going to make sure that didn’t happen again this year. His halftime speech riled up his team to tighten up defensively and led to a 66-24 win. This was a wake-up call to college football that Deion Sanders can coach and motivate players.
Grambling State Scores Against The SWAC’s Top Defense
In the Grambling State locker room during halftime, first-year coach Hue Jackson had to feel good about where his team stood. He had stood on numerous NFL sidelines as the underdog and not had this good of a half. They had scored on some bursts during the first half including a defensive score, a field goal, and an offensive touchdown. At the start of the game, Grambling was very aware that Jackson State was the SWAC’s leading defensive team, but at no point during the first half were they going to back down.
Jackson State Turnaround
As Grambling State scored, Jackson State fans made their feelings known. Headed into the locker room at halftime leading 21-17, Deion Sanders was more than annoyed at how his team had been playing. Jackson State’s quarterback and head coach’s son, Shedeur Sanders who let a fumble get away in the first half said that Coach Sanders came into the locker room yelling. His fumble is what led to a defensive score.
Jackson State didn’t let Sanders down at all. The defense forced four punts, an interception, a fumble, and a possession turnover on downs. The offense that had looked shaky in a previous game with Tennessee State came out roaring. They scored on six consecutive drives in the second half outscoring Grambling State 45-7. Sanders said that “it was a tale of two halves.”
Sanders however is still wanting a complete game from his team. He wants to see them win another SWAC conference championship and go to another bowl game this season. Sanders believes they must be dominant in order to achieve those goals.
Stand Out Players
Jackson State linebacker Aubrey Miller had nine tackles.
Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders was 21-31 and threw for 357 yards with four touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
Grambling State quarterback Quaterius Hawkins was 12-30 and threw for 122 yards with one touchdown.
Grambling State wide receiver Lyndon Rash had 4 receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Jackson State wide receiver Willie Gaines had 2 receptions for 89 yards with one touchdown.
Jackson State wide receiver Dallas Daniels had 5 receptions for 85 yards with three touchdowns
Jackson State running back Sy’Veon Wilkerson had 23 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns.
Grambling State running back Maurice Washington had 3 carries for 78 yards and one touchdown.
