• By PERRYN KEYS
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Oct 29, 2009

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When Pete Richardson reviewed practice film of his Southern football team during training camp, the projector confirmed what he already believed: His offense would be fine, but the defense would be an adventure.

Two months later, it’s a pleasant surprise.

In three games this month, the SU defense — riddled with injuries and filled with first-time starters — has been a strength, not a weakness. Southern has given up an average of 17 points in October.

The Jaguars (4-3, 1-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) will try to lower that average at 2:30 p.m. Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4-2, 2-1).

“You look at us, and it’s amazing how those guys make it at times,” Richardson said. “We’re really beat up on defense.”

OK, so maybe the Jaguars haven’t been perfect. The fourth-quarter meltdown Sept. 26 against Alcorn (244 yards, 28 points) comes to mind, and they rank only fifth in the SWAC in scoring defense, allowing an average of 23.1 points per game.

But in last week’s crushing loss, SU held Prairie View to 271 yards and a season-low 16 points.

The Jaguars’ effort was all the more impressive, given their long list of wounded players.

Defensive tackles Dexter James (shoulder), Kennon Gilliard (finger) and Delwin Williams (knee) sat out last week, as did eagle linebacker Allan Baugh (concussion). Later on, after injuries to drop linebacker André Coleman and okie linebacker Marcus Clark, SU used Gary Chatman at drop, Justin Fletcher at okie and Corey Ray at eagle during the fourth quarter.

None of those players had started a game at those positions this season.

“All the individuals on the defensive line are beat up. But for some strange reason, it’s just the toughness of them,” Richardson said. “When they blow that whistle, they go out and play. I think that’s a tribute to those individuals.”

Gilliard, Baugh and Coleman have all returned to practice this week.

Tenacious Lions