2 weeks Ago
Kicker Joshua Griffin (45) hits a kickoff during Southern University football practice at A.W. Mumford Stadium on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Here are four keys to a Southern victory at McNeese State on Saturday night. Stable start Southern doesn’t have to start fast to win, but it needs to avoid getting boat raced. McNeese State is playing at home in front of a sellout crowd.
Yes, the Jaguars fans will represent well, and the Human Jukebox will shake and bake the crowd. But this is an opponent coming off a loss that fell just short of a victory. In position for a game-winning TD and a game-tying field goal, the Cowboys got neither.
They left Tarleton State with all of the momentum in that game and will try to carry it over in a home opener packed with atmosphere. Don’t flood Noah Quarterback Noah Bodden is making his second consecutive start but it’s not like he’s riding a wave of experience. This will be like his first start all over again because of the new offense.
The other 10 Jaguars need to play well around him. The game plan should include some early short throws to build confidence and stay with the running game as long as it’s picking up yardage. Bodden is more of a pro-style quarterback than a dual threat, but his arm strength is unquestionable.
Having success in leading the offense will depend on the offensive line shedding its tendency for false start penalties. Tackling technique A dual-threat quarterback such as McNeese's Clifford McDowell can be a nightmare for a defense. Blanketing receivers only to have him scramble for first downs is frustrating but stoppable.
The key is for the defenders to remember their technique and angles, knowing which side the help is coming from and standing their ground. There aren’t a lot of players who can solo tackle McDowell in the open field. The first contact defender has to hold on and expect assistance.
Staying in pass rush lanes will keep him sealed in the pocket and make him easier to tackle before he gets a head of steam. Special special teams Close games usually come down to special teams play, not just field goals but how the punting game flips the field and prevents long returns to set up field position. Josh Griffin is a senior with a strong leg to put kickoffs in the end zone, but his consistency has been iffy on filed goals.
And Kenny Pham as the punter needs hang time more than distance. A 35-yard kick with no return is better than a 40-yarder with a 10-yard return. Southern’s cover teams should also be better with a deeper roster of linebackers and defensive backs.
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