2 weeks Ago
Southern University Jaguars quarterback Noah Bodden (15) passes in the 1st quarter during their game at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, La. on Saturday, August 31, 2024. (Ricky Hickman) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Start with confidence Southern doesn’t have to jump up by two touchdowns in the first quarter to win this game, but the Jaguars have to at least show up and compete early to let the home team know they are in for a four-quarter fight.
Noah Bodden’s play off the bench appears to have re-energized him. The offensive line needs to tap into some of that energy and the defense overall needs to come out strong. Facing a team that already has a loss in the SWAC West Division will make Southern’s challenge more difficult.
Commit to the run The Jaguar offensive line has to find a spark and get physical. The running game hasn’t been reliable mainly because the backs don’t have room to run. The Southern backfield is perhaps the deepest and most talented group but can’t go far without room to run.
There might be some new faces on the offensive line. Coach Terrence Graves hinted that more of them will play. He’s confident that the group will ride the game experience from the past three weeks and make steps toward significant improvement.
Ego check The Jaguars defense didn’t go soft overnight, but the indications are it was a little full of itself last week and had the fight taken to it. Southern will be facing one of the worst run offenses and an offensive line struggling as much, if not more, than Southern’s. This is a chance to rebound with dominance and reassert itself.
It’s also an opportunity to harass a struggling quarterback with the pass rush. Southern allowed only 130 yards in the second half last week. It needs two good halves like that for redemption.
Bodden time Noah Bodden has to seize the reins and lead the offense. No more bad decisions and turnovers. Throw the ball away or take the sack but interceptions and fumbles turn games around.
The Jaguars defense is strong enough to lean on. Whatever was bothering Bodden against Savannah State should be history. He showed what he’s capable of and has to come back even stronger this week, not with more than 352 yards passing but better game management.
He also needs to stay healthy with C’Zavian Teasett questionable and inexperienced Jalen Brown the next man up..
