Deion Sanders, Jackson State Tigers Defanged Inept FAMU Rattlers

Will Jackson State's dominance will continue in the SWAC after defanging the Rattlers?

Was this the same Florida A&M team that battled an FBS North Carolina team to post 24 points last weekend? Or was this a Jackson State team and defense that rendered the Rattlers utterly inept in the 59-3 shellacking?

DOM-I-NANT!!!

We heard Coach Prime and his son Shedeur at SWAC Media Day use the word "Dominate" in reference to the 2022 version of the JSU Tigers. Today, there were "Dominant."

Sep 4, 2022; Miami, Florida, US; Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders enters the field with his team prior to the start of the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Here's what we know. Florida A&M's Willie Simmons is still an excellent coach, and his Rattlers have plenty of good football left for this season. 

What we witnessed was Jackson State imposing its will on FAMU. 

Those teams in the SWAC Domain and HBCU football should be leery of facing this Jackson State team.

Sep 4, 2022; Miami, Florida, US; Jackson State Tigers quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) holds Orange Blossom Classic Trophy after a game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

SHEDEUR SANDERS IS A QUARTEBACK.

Orange Blossom Classic MVP Shedeur Sanders had a streak of 17 completions to start the game. By halftime, the signal-caller was 18/20 for 170 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 210.0 quarterback rating.  He finished 

New Tigers offensive coordinator Brett Bartolone used diverse playcalling to have Sanders toss the football to over 10 different receivers.

At this point, only Southern and Prairie View's defense could spell trouble for the Tigers. Clarity is important. We may not have seen enough offensive firepower within the SWAC, other than Southern 86-0 demolishing of Florida Memorial, that could match Jackson State's scoring potential.

Not to mention they have 10 games on a brutal 2022 schedule. Injuries often are the great equalizers in competition. Conversely, depth has its advantages in counteracting injuries.

Sep 4, 2022; Miami, Florida, US; Jackson State Tigers celebrate their wins against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

ALL PHASES WORKED

Offense, defense, and special teams all scored and rattled the Rattlers. 

Blocked punts, a pick-six, firepower, and a stingy defense wins a majority of the games played.   With all levels in sync and working, who can stop the Tigers from clawing to the top of the SWAC?

According to preseason prognosticators — like myself — the Tigers skillfully beat what many believed to be the second or third-best team in HBCU football.  After these Week 1 scores, it's time to partially re-adjust my thinking.

Could Jackson State once again run the table in the SWAC? It's likely. 

Instead of crowning JSU today, let's still play the games.

Until then, we shall see.


Published
Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: