ABC Saturday Night College Football Season 8 Episode 78 15th Annual SWAC Championship Game: Jackson State vs. Southern at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL
- December 7, 2013
In the 15th Annual SWAC Championship Game, it's Jackson State taking on Southern at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL. Both teams are coming into the game with impressive records, each having won their respective divisions. This match-up brings together two of the best and most storied programs in SWAC history, and neither team will want to leave empty-handed.
Jackson State boasts an electrifying offense that can light up the scoreboard at any moment. Quarterback Quincy Casey has been a standout performer this season, leading the team to multiple victories with his arm and legs. Running back Kymani Clarke is another player to watch out for. He's been running with a purpose all season, amassing over 800 yards on the ground and scoring touchdowns left and right. The Tigers' defense is no slouch either, led by linebacker Keonte Hampton, who has been a tackling machine all season.
Southern, on the other hand, is a team that prides itself on its defense. The Jaguars have been dominant on that side of the ball, giving up just 16 points per game this season. They have a formidable defensive line, with defensive end Jordan Lewis leading the charge. Offensively, Southern relies heavily on their running game, which is led by freshman quarterback Ladarius Skelton and running back Devon Benn. Skelton has been a dual-threat quarterback for the Jags, rushing for over 500 yards and throwing for over 1,000 yards this season.
This game promises to be a battle of two different styles of football. Jackson State's high-powered offense will be looking to break through Southern's tough defense, while the Jaguars' ground game will be seeking to wear down the Tigers' defense. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, but all of that will be forgotten during this championship game.
The stadium is packed with fans from both sides, and the atmosphere is electric. The sound of the bands playing and the cheers from the crowd are deafening as the players take the field. It's clear from the get-go that this game is going to be a hard-fought battle.
The first quarter is a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging blows. Jackson State strikes first, with Casey tossing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Warren Newman. Southern responds with a touchdown of their own, as Skelton punches it in from the one-yard line. The quarter ends with the score tied at 7-7.
In the second quarter, both teams start to find their rhythm. Jackson State's offense is firing on all cylinders, with Casey finding his receivers downfield and the running game starting to gain traction. Southern's defense, meanwhile, is doing its best to hold back the Tigers' attack. The Jags' offense, however, is struggling to get anything going. They're forced to punt on multiple occasions, failing to convert on third downs. The half ends with Jackson State ahead, 21-10.
The second half is where things really start to heat up. Southern comes out of the locker room fired up, and they start to mount a comeback. Skelton begins to find his groove, hitting his receivers on long passes and making plays with his legs. The Jaguars' defense, meanwhile, is stifling the Tigers' offense, forcing turnovers and getting key stops. Southern scores twice in the third quarter to bring the score to 24-21 in favor of Jackson State.
The fourth quarter is an all-out war. Both teams know that this is their chance to take home the championship, and they leave everything on the field. Jackson State's offense comes to life once again, with Casey and Clarke leading the charge. The Tigers' defense is also stepping up, making big plays and getting key stops. Southern, however, refuses to give up. Skelton continues to make big plays, and the defense is holding strong. The final minutes of the game are a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows and the outcome hanging in the balance. In the end, one team emerges victorious, but you'll have to tune in to find out which one it is.