Why TC Taylor values ​​complacency ahead of game against Bethune-Cookman with a win

Jackson State is obviously riding high after its emotional 35-21 victory over reigning HBCU national champion Florida A&M to take the clear lead in the SWAC East Division.

The Tigers haven't been in first place this late in the regular season since November 2022 – the last time the program won the division and conference championships.

And with the Tigers' next three opponents – Bethune-Cookman, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State – picking up a total of three wins, it would be easy for JSU to rest on its laurels during what appears to be a slow stretch.

But head coach TC Taylor won't allow the Tigers to take any steps backwards.

In fact, staying focused was a key focus for the group heading into Saturday's 6-1 road game against Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach.

“The word of the week was smug,” Taylor said of his post-FAMU victory message to the team. Let’s not become complacent and understand the level of play that allows us to be dominant. You get it. This football team’s goal is December.”

Jackson State (5-2 overall, 3-0 SWAC) appeared to be a SWAC championship contender in every way.

Aside from a disappointing 41-20 loss to Grambling State on Sept. 21, the Tigers have scored at least 35 or more points, rushed for at least 200 yards and had a double-digit lead at some point in every game since.

Quarterback Jacobian Morgan and running back Irv Mulligan were each named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week during the Tigers' 3-0 run.

The Tigers' strength was their defense, holding their opponents to 23 points per game and recording a SWAC-high 20 sacks this season, including Tru Thompson's strip sack on Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson late in the fourth quarter led to the game-winning touchdown.

The complementary elements in the way the Tigers won and moved to the top of the SWAC East standings give Taylor confidence that a relegation will happen.

“When you see us in practice, they relate to each other in practice – they understand,” Taylor said. “I know no matter who the opponent is, they’re going to go out there and play hard.”

I told the team that we have played a lot of football games up to this point, but we have five more on the (regular season) schedule and two more in the postseason (SWAC Championship Game and Celebration Bowl). That's seven games, so we still have a lot of football to go this year. You get it; They will be ready to go.”