FRESNO, CA — Southern University's trip to Valley Children's Stadium didn't end the way the Jaguars hoped, but it did reveal a potential bright spot under center. Fresno State flexed its depth and talent in a dominant 56-7 victory on Saturday night, but the Jaguars' third-string quarterback, Ashton Strother provided the lone spark of offense for the visitors.
Southern struggled early with starter Cam'Ron McCoy unable to move the offense, combining for just 17 total yards in the opening quarter. Down 21-0 in the second, head coach Terrence Graves turned to the back-up, who responded by immediately energizing the Jaguars' attack. On his very first series, Strother connected with Malachi Jackson for a 28-yard strike, then found Cam Jefferson and Kobe Brown to push Southern deep into Bulldog territory. On third down, he connected with Darren Morris to the Bulldogs one-yard line. His poise helped set up Trey Holly one-yard touchdown run, The Jaguars only score on the night.
Though the Bulldogs quickly answered on a 57-yard TD run, but Strother continued to battle and drive the Jaguars offense up-and-down the field, finishing the night 9-of-14 passing for for a 127 yards, showing command in the pocket and giving his receivers opportunities. Despite the lopsided final score, his performance stood out. Strother ability to sustain drives and push the ball downfield gave Southern a glimpse of an offensive identity that had been missing in the early season.
"Obviously, the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but I'm proud of the way Ashton came in and competed," Terrence Graves said post game. "He gave us some energy, and we'll look to build on that. The Jaguars (1-3) will now regroup as they head back to conference play in two weeks.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Southern's lone spark on offense
Third-string quarterback
Ashton Strother gave the Jaguars life in the second quarter. He went 9-of-14 for 127 yards, leading a 75-yard scoring drive capped by
Trey Holly 1-yard touchdown run.
Third-Down Domination
Fresno converted 8 of 10 on third down, sustaining drives and wearing down Southern's defense. The Jaguars managed just 3 of 12.
Penalties Hurt Southern
Southern was flagged 12 times for 91 yards, killing momentum, while Fresno State had only six penalties.
Special Teams Swing
Southern's lone field goal attempt (44 yards) was blocked. Fresno's kicker Dylan Lynch went 8-for-8 on extra points.
Defensive Standouts
For Southern,
Elijah West and
Jamarlo Campbell each tallied 10 tackles. For Fresno, the defensive front notched three sacks and six tackles for loss, keeping Southern off balance.
UP NEXT
Southern will be back in action on Saturday, September 27th, as they open conference play, hosting Jackson State inside A. W. Mumford Stadium. The Game is slated for 6 PM kickoff and will be live on HBCUGO.
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