Tigers Control Hampton, Show Their 2025 Identity
JSU Football
Jackson, Miss. — The Tigers opened 2025 with a 28–14 win over Hampton, and it looked exactly like the staff drew it up: control the line, set the pace, finish drives. The box score won’t crown a Heisman, but it tells the right story—composure, balance, and situational poise.
Offense: balance with a bruising edge
JSU mixed gap and zone runs to stay ahead of the chains and used quick-game timing to keep the Pirates’ pass rush off schedule. Quarterback play was efficient, limiting turnovers and letting the run game do the heavy lifting. The result: favorable down-and-distance and a fourth quarter that felt like a runway.
Defense: squeeze early, close late
Hampton found daylight in spurts, but JSU’s defense kept explosive plays contained. The tackling was clean, the pursuit angles were sharp, and the pressure packages on third down forced hurried decisions. When Hampton needed chunk gains, the Tigers’ secondary sat on routes and finished plays.
Special teams & hidden yards
Field position tilted JSU’s way thanks to consistent coverage lanes and solid punting. A short field in the third quarter set up a crucial touchdown that stretched the lead to two scores.
What we learned
The run game can carry a week; 2) the defense travels; 3) the operation is tidy—few penalties, clean substitutions, clock awareness. That’s a winning September formula.
What’s next
A visit to Southern Miss provides a step up in speed, depth, and noise. It’s a measuring stick for JSU’s protection schemes and tackling stamina.
Collab Writer: Karma B.
Sources: ESPN.com
