2010 Record: 9-3 (8-1), Tied 1st SWAC West
2010 Post-Season: None
2010 Schedule/Results
@ Prairie View, L 16-14
@ UConn, L 62-3
Alabama A&M, W 32-9
@ Tuskegee, L 21-14
@ Alabama State, W 21-7
@ Alcorn State, W 30-20
Jackson State, W 21-18
Mississippi Valley State, 38-7
@ Southern, W 54-7
Grambling, W 41-34
Arkansas-Pine Bluff, W 20-13
Alabama State, W 11-6
OFFENSE
383.7 yards per game
It's really difficult to win when your QB tosses 15 picks to just 9 TD passes like Arvell Nelson did, but the Tigers made it work for them. TSU focused more on the run, and they averaged 217 yards on the game during the season. That was a wise decision as Marcus Wright broke loose with 1200 yards and 8 scores on the season, good for second in the SWAC. Nelson also rushed for 529 yards and 8 scores on the season. Nelson will be moving on, but Wright will be back to give the Tigers a star back. Joe Anderson was also a huge playmaker for TSU, having picked up 831 yards receiving, but he'll hopefulyy have a chance to improve on his paltry 2 TDs. Another stud receiver also has to step up to stretch the field with a new QB coming into place next season.
DEFENSE
204.9 yards allowed per game
You did not have a chance against this monster D in 2010. TSU held their opponents to only 81 yards rushing per game on the season, and QBs did not fare much better, only passing for 123 yards per game. Dejuan Fulghum was 3rd in the SWAC with 100 tackles on the season at LB. Fulghum picked up 23 TFLs on the season, while Jonathon Hollins picked up 18. Here is the bad news...TSU loses both to graduation now. Shomari Clemons joined the fun, as he and Fulghum were 1/2 in sacks in the league as well. Clemons will be back in 2011. Zack Gallow and Jermaine Thomas both had 10 passes defended in 2010, and both will return next season, as Thomas was just a freshman. Gallow picked off 5 passes, good for 3rd in the SWAC, and Curtis Thomas added 4 more. This was absolutely one of the best defenses in TSU history.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Robert Hirsh was a dark spot on the season, as he only connected on 11 of his 16 FG attempts to finish under 70% on the season. Hirsh is expected back in 2011, but improvement must come, as the opportunities will likely be there with a new QB being broken in.
The punting game needs major overhaul as well, as Francois Ejiofer had a miserable freshman season, averaging right around 37 yards per punt. He must be pushed in the spring.
William Osborne averaged just under 10 yards per punt in 2010, but must be replaced as he is moving on.
FINAL NOTES
It's a shame that Texas Southern was not considered for FCS playoffs, as they would have been fun to watch with that defense of theirs. The offense had their moments on the ground, but the passing game must develop better in 2011 if the defense hopes not to get overwhelmed, and also to keep defenses from stacking the box to stop Wright. It was a terrific season for TSU, and hopefully enough of the pieces will remain for another strong SWAC run in 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment