T.C. Taylor, Jackson State 'Understood The Assignment' With Dominant Performance

Jackson State's dominant performance proved T.C. Taylor coached a team who "understood the assignment" at the 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
T.C. Taylor, Jackson State 'Understood The Assignment' With Dominant Performance
T.C. Taylor, Jackson State 'Understood The Assignment' With Dominant Performance /

HOUSTON  Jackson State's dominant performance proved T.C. Taylor coached a team that "understood the assignment" at the 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

Although it may be considered an overreaction, Jackson State's new head coach T.C. Taylor stepped out of Deion Sanders' shadow with his team's dominant 37-7 victory over South Carolina State at the 2023 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge.  Many with SWAC blood, like Taylor, knew the importance of gaining ground in the 11-5 MEAC-over-SWAC series deficit.  On Saturday night, the Tigers' leader had a signature win that Coach Prime could not nail for the SWAC — "Defeat The MEAC!"

For Taylor, setting an early tone with a win was crucial. "I think it was very important going against a great coach like Coach Pough,"  Taylor said in his post-game press conference.  "We talked about playing a physical brand, but going forward, this is the one we wanted to come out and set the tone."  

TC Taylor
Aug. 26, 2023; Jackson State head coach T.C. Taylor hoists the 2023 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Championship Trophy. Credit: Jackson State Athletics

Jackson State's quarterback and Virginia Tech transfer Jason Brown played at a historic level in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge by completing 26-of-33 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns.  Following Deion Sanders' departure, the Tigers had 59 players to transfer out of the program.  However, Taylor's staff was able to bring in 33 transfer student-athletes.  Still, for Taylor, he felt the remaining players did not get the respect they deserved.  "That was something that was so disappointing to me at the SWAC media day.  Not to have many guys make all-conference when you know you got a Jeremiah Williams that played.  He was truly dominant on the defensive line.  A Devante Davis; and Rico Powers did it last year.  Everything you saw tonight, he did that last year.  How do you forget that?"

Next week will be another challenge for Jackson State as they face the SWAC East favorites, Florida A&M, in the 49th Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, Sept. 3.  Coach Taylor remarked that he's "Got a good football team.  We really got a good football team." He is also quite aware that teams like FAMU's will be game-planning with what they witnessed on Saturday night.

Today, Taylor will enjoy that Jackson State was more physical on offense and defense than South Carolina State.  The "T.C., T.C." chants at the post-game trophy presentation were more satisfying.  "I cannot believe this is coming around once again [the chants]. I love these JSU fans.  They show up and show out.  It's up to us as a football team, our coaching staff, training equipment people to come out here and put our best foot forward." Taylor noted.

Given time, the rookie head coach will allow the win to sink into his spirit.  Next will be the Tigers' SWAC East Division foes, the Rattlers.  Taylor nor the Jackson team will take the Florida A&M squad for granted.  "You're getting ready to go down to Miami next week, and we already know what the one in Baton Rouge is going to be like.  So, this is going to be a tough stretch.  I'm thankful tonight we were able to get out of here with no injuries.   Everybody came out upright, but I got to get the guys to shake it off and get ready for this next one."


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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: