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."
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."