Jackson State football vs Texas Southern score prediction, scouting report in Week 5 SWAC opener

Jackson State football enters SWAC play Saturday as the Tigers head into Week 5.

Jackson State (2-2) heads to Houston as it faces Texas Southern (1-2) at Shell Energy Stadium (6 p.m., ESPN +), and will aim to rebound after its 41-20 loss to Grambling . JSU scheduled Grambling and Southern as non-conference games this season as both did not count toward its SWAC record for 2024. Texas Southern is coming off a 20-17 loss against FCS opponent Lamar.

"They got some big guys up front that are going to be kind of difficult to move," JSU coach T.C. Taylor said. "That looks like one of their strengths. They got a good linebacker (Jacob Williams) ... that really flies around and makes a lot of plays."

Here’s a look inside the matchup.

Can Jackson State expect QB Cam'Ron McCoy to finish a game?

Taylor did not announce a quarterback starter but said Cam'Ron McCoy was healthy and good to go after suffering a right ankle injury in JSU's 41-20 loss to Grambling. McCoy's exit marked the third straight game he left the field with an injury. Taylor said it is frustrating for the staff and McCoy with the injures his quarterback has sustained and they need to get it addressed.

McCoy leads JSU in rushing yards with 150. He also has two rushing touchdowns and 284 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Jacobian Morgan has entered all three times after McCoy's injuries and has put up 670 passing yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jackson State's offense must fix mistakes for Texas Southern

Miscommunication and unforced errors led to JSU giving up 21 points to Grambling from three turnover scores and surrendered five total. However, JSU outgained Grambling on offense by 166 yards and had 438 total yards. The Tigers receiving group had 279 yards and had three plays over 40 yards. The offense was present, just a lack of execution, which the Tigers must clean up heading into SWAC play.

MORE: Jackson State men's basketball coach Mo Williams pleads for more fans at home games

Key for Jackson State beating Texas Southern is stopping the run

Defensive coordinator Torzeno Quinn wants JSU to stop Texas Southern's run game — for good reason. Most of the Tigers offense has come from the ground. Texas Southern has 427 rushing yards compared to 294 passing yards. Quintell Quinn has 162 rushing yards, and Danny Green Jr. has 99 yards and two touchdowns.

JSU limited Grambling to 104 yards on the ground and two touchdowns and will need to do the same in Houston.

Jackson State score prediction vs Texas Southern

Jackson State 31, Texas Southern 20: As JSU enters SWAC play, turnovers must be kept at a minimum. JSU should start quickly and put points on the board against a Texas Southern defense that has struggled and has allowed 89 points in its last two games.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez .

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State football vs Texas Southern score prediction, scouting report in Week 5 SWAC opener