Tigers hand coach first win
Defense shines for Haywood in home opener
In his third attempt, Michael Haywood got his first win as coach of Texas Southern. Tylor Cook accounted for two touchdown and the Tigers’ defense was lights out in a 31-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday night.
TSU’s win in its home opener at BBVA Compass Stadium was decisive, giving the Tigers’ first-year head coach plenty to be pleased about, and keeping the Delta Devils (0-3, 0-2 SWAC) winless.
TSU (1-2, 1-1) scored on its first two possessions and remained in control throughout the game.
“What a great way to open our first home game with a win,” Haywood said. “Our job is just to be better than the opponent that’s on the field. Tonight, we’re better than the team we faced.”
TSU outgained MVSU 374-160 in yards and forced the Delta Devils to punt on all seven of their first-half possessions and on their first eight series. Dondre Dobbins and Rayvon Beard intercepted Mississippi Valley’s Austin Bray and linebacker Sean Jones had a team-high 10 tackles, with 3½ tackles for loss.
Total dominance
After scoring from a yard out, Cook’s second TD was a 50-yard reception from quarterback Averion Hurts. Coming out of the backfield, the freshman running back broke a tack- le at the 30, stayed on his feet at the 12 after absorbing another hit, and managed his way into the end zone.
It was total dominance for the Tigers from start to finish.
After one quarter, the Tigers led 14-0 and had a 1627 advantage in yards. At halftime, the Tigers were ahead 21-0 and led in yards 237-27.
“I compliment the guys on having a concerted effort to come out here and play well in the first quarter, and playing well in the third quarter as well,” Haywood said.
The Tigers, with Hurts directing the offense, scored on the opening series, marching an effortless 85 yards. Eric Medina’s PAT after Cook’s score, gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 10:09 remaining in the first quarter. Hurts passed for 273 yards, completing 15 of 24 passes with three touchdown passes and one interception.
With the win, TSU leads the series 27-26-1.
Youngsters get a shot
TSU’s defense was stellar. Jones partially blocked a punt and got a sack and Damond King added two sacks. Linebackers Jamal Lucas and Julian Marcantel also excelled for the Tigers, who constantly applied pressure on Bray.
“The important part is that we were able to play some younger guys (on defense),” Haywood said. “As we go into our season, these young guys will be able to play more football for us.”
A 12-yard scoring pass from Hurts to Tracy Johnson with 2:16 left in the second quarter followed by a Medina extra point, completed the first-half scoring. Austin Watts had a 49-yard pass reception from Hurts to the 12-yard line that set up Johnson’s receiving touchdown.
Medina’s 39-yard field goal with 5:59 left in the third quarter increased the lead to 24-0. In the fourth quarter Hurts connected with Tony Upchurch on a 21-yard scoring pass to conclude the scoring.