Jackson State football game-by-game predictions in 2023: Is a SWAC three-peat possible?
It is time for Jackson State football to begin a new era. For the Tigers to continue the success they enjoyed the past two seasons under coach Deion Sanders -- and to quiet the comparison chatter -- they need to fly around and play fast.
New head coach T.C. Taylor would benefit from a fast start but at least needs to keep the ship steady as a team with almost 70 new players tries to jell and find its identity while playing its first four games away from Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers are trying to three-peat as Southwestern Athletic Conference champions to earn a third consecutive appearance to the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
Here are our game-by-game predictions for Jackson State football's 2023 season.
Aug. 26: vs. SC State at Atlanta
South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough said that when Taylor was the offensive coordinator at North Carolina Central, the Bulldogs had problems with his offense. Look for JSU to have trouble getting untracked in its first game of the season against SC State's physical defense.
The prediction: SC State 35, Jackson State 28
Sept. 3: vs. Florida A&M at Miami
Jackson State has dominated Florida A&M the past two seasons, holding the Rattlers without a touchdown. A&M is the favorite to win the East Division this season and looking for revenge. The Rattlers are too explosive as the heat wears down JSU.
The prediction: Florida A&M 42, Jackson State 28
Sept. 9: at Southern
Jackson State swept its two meetings with Southern last season, and look for the Tigers to continue the trend. It will be close and come down to a last-second field goal as JSU wins it.
The prediction: Jackson State 24, Southern 21
Sept. 16: at Texas State
The Bobcats are starting over and hired GJ Kinne, one of college football's hottest coaching prospects, this offseason. This game will be close in the first half, but the Texas State's talent is too much for Jackson State.
The prediction: Texas State 42, Jackson State 21
Sept. 23: vs. Bethune-Cookman
This is Jackson State’s first home game of the season. Look for the Tigers to put it on the rebuilding Wildcats in the W.C. Gorden Classic.
The prediction: Jackson State 56, Bethune-Cookman 21
Oct. 7: at Alabama A&M
Jackson State comes back well rested after a much needed off week. Look for the Tigers to be more physical and to showcase the improvement in their offense.
The prediction: Jackson State 48, Alabama A&M 28
Oct. 14: vs. Alabama State
This game will be built up as the “SWAC Bowl,” except that Deion Sanders is not here. This is Jackson State’s homecoming game. It was a tough, physical game last year, and look for the intensity to continue. Jackson State does just enough to win.
The prediction: Jackson State 24, Alabama State 21
Oct. 21: at Mississippi Valley State
This game will be a stat stuffer for Jackson State. The Delta Devils are in a rebuilding mode under Kendrick Wade.
The prediction: Jackson State 63, Mississippi Valley State 10
T.C. TAYLOR'S DREAM IS ABOUT HERE 'Something I've wanted for a long time': Jackson State football coach T.C.Taylor shares thoughts on debut
Oct. 28: at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Look for Jackson State to open up its offense against the Golden Lions. This game will see Jackson State score and score some more.
The prediction: Jackson State 56, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 21
Nov. 4: vs. Texas Southern
Look for this game to go down to the wire as Jackson State returns to the Vet. Jackson State will have to guard against being overconfident and looking past Texas Southern for its big rivalry game against Alcorn State.
The prediction: Jackson State 17, Texas Southern 14
Nov. 18: vs. Alcorn State
Jackson State finds itself in a position of playing the spoiler role. Alcorn State could be in a position to win the West Division with a victory. The Braves get a late field goal for the victory.
The prediction: Alcorn State 20, Jackson State 17
Season prediction
The Tigers finish 7-4, including 6-2 in the SWAC.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State football game-by-game predictions for the 2023 season
