It was electric at the 2022 SWAC Championship game in Jackson, Mississippi. Coach Deion Sanders and the undefeated Jackson State Tigers took the field to defend their SWAC title against the Southern University Jaguars, and defend it they did. JSU beat Southern 43-24 in a game that wasn’t as close as the score makes it seem. Both teams played hard, but in the end, Jackson State took home the trophy.
A Dominant First Quarter
JSU head coach Deion Sanders has been talking all week long about wanting to dominate in the SWAC Championship. His message must have been heard by his team because the Tigers came out firing on all cylinders. Southern started the game with possession but quickly relinquished the ball to Jackson State after a quick three and out. JSU’s first drive ended with a field goal after quarterback Shedeur Sanders missed an open receiver and threw a ball into traffic. However, JSU was just getting started.
The Tigers followed up their missed opportunity by forcing three consecutive turnovers, an interception and two fumbles. The interception was made by safety Herman Smith III, and the Tigers offense scored just 42 seconds later. JSU scored a second time in just one play after forcing a fumble and then a third time on yet another fumble. The Jackson State defense was on fire, and the offense was capitalizing on everything they were given.
By the end of the first quarter, Southern fans were completely deflated, and Veterans Memorial Stadium was rocking as JSU fans partied on. Going into the second quarter, Jackson State found themselves up 26-0, and Southern subbed in a new quarterback who just was ready to provide the spark they needed.
Southern Makes It Interesting
While it was Harold Blood who got the start for the Jaguars, head coach Eric Dooley brought in quarterback number two Glendon McDaniel. Coach Dooley said about the change, “Sometimes you have to go with experience.” Dooley continued on his decision, “This game right here is now or never.” McDaniel, known as Bubba to his team, had an immediate impact on the game. He ran circles around the JSU defense, who until that point, had been impenetrable. McDaniel led the Jaguars to their first successful drive of the game, not only making it past midfield for the first time but also running the ball in for Southern’s first touchdown. McDaniel later finished the game with 162 yards rushing and 220 passing yards.
Jackson State’s offense began to slow quite a bit after their explosive first quarter. With McDaniel taking care of the ball better for Southern, there weren’t as many short-field opportunities for the Tigers. Sanders was also having an up-and-down night. He had a pass that would have been intercepted if not for a penalty on Southern. That near interception was soon followed by a fantastic touchdown throw for his third of the game.
Southern began to gain momentum, putting together a solid drive that ended with a field goal as time expired. The first half ended with Jackson State leading 33-10. However, Southern came out of the locker room ready to play. McDaniel commented on Southern’s mentality coming into the second half, saying, “It ain’t over until it’s over.”The Jaguars force Jackson State to punt for just the second time in the game at the start of the third quarter. This time it was Southern who capitalized on a big play as they blocked the punt and soon after scored on a McDaniel pass to receiver Chandler Whitfield. The Jaguars surprisingly had life, down by 12 late in the third quarter.
However, Shedeur Sanders decided that he wanted to leave no doubt that the SWAC title belongs in Jackson. Sanders led the Tigers down the field, making a great pass to Willie Gaines. Sanders finished the impressive drive with a touchdown pass to Rico Powers, extending JSU’s lead to 19. That touchdown by Sanders seemed to turn the odds back in the Tigers favor, as Southern couldn’t get anything going offensively in the fourth quarter. As the game drew to a close, Sanders was subbed out, and the Jackson State fans got ready to celebrate.
Sanders and Miller Win MVP
Both the offensive and defensive MVPs came from the JSU side. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders took home the offensive MVP trophy. Sanders finished the game with an impressive 70% completion percentage. He threw for 305 yards through the air and four total touchdowns. Two of which were caught by receiver Shane Hooks. Sanders played well, fighting through adversity and making big plays when he needed to.
Aubrey Miller Jr. successfully led the Tigers’ defense. Miller led JSU in tackles for a loss, making his way into the backfield three times. This included a sack as well as five total tackles. The senior out of Memphis was also responsible for one of Southern’s five turnovers, forcing a fumble.
Coach Prime’s Future
Deion Sanders has been surrounded by rumors this week over if he will leave for Colorado, who made him an offer. Southern fans used the rumors as trash talk. One fan even chanted, “It’s show time in Colorado!” Although outside sources confirmed he would be the next Colorado head coach, Sanders confirmed the news himself in a post-game Instagram post.
Though, what is perhaps more interesting is what Sanders didn’t say. After Southern head coach Eric Dooley answered questions, the media waited for JSU players and head coach to arrive for their press conference. After a lengthy wait, a SWAC representative announced that coach Prime and the rest of the Jackson State team were already back on campus and would not be appearing in front of the media.
The question now is who will go with Sanders to Boulder, Colorado. When college football coaches take a new job, it is expected for them to take some players with them. Coach Prime made it clear earlier in the week that his son and current JSU quarterback Shedeur Sanders would be coming with him. However, it is also likely that Travis Hunter, the first five-star recruit in HBCU history, would also follow his hall-of-fame coach. Sanders has also had nothing but praise for his kicker this season Alejandro Mata. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the freshman out of Georgia head to Colorado.
Primetime’s two-year career at JSU has been nothing short of legendary. The JSU faithful are sure to be grateful to Sanders for many years to come. And, if nothing else, Deion Sanders left the Tigers on top as SWAC Champions.
