Despite season-long pleas regarding his team’s travel restrictions — most of his players work steady jobs during weekdays — the Tallahassee Titans’ management still opted to change the game’s date from Sunday to Monday.
“I’m really pissed off,” said Simpson, who was informed of the change a week ago. “The Blackbirds are coming, and they’re bringing hell with them.”
Simpson says the change is due to financial reasons.
“They feel they can take more at the gate on a Monday rather than a Sunday,” he said. “It shows the irresponsibility of the team’s ownership.”
The Titans — trying to clinch a postseason berth — will host the Blackbirds at 7 tonight.
The Blackbirds (1-10) dropped their second game to the Reading Express this season on Sunday, 58-32 — a far cry from the 78-6 defeat in Baltimore’s opening week.
But because of the change in game time, Simpson is skeptical that the momentum the Blackbirds have built will carry over into Tallahassee.
Baltimore quarterback Robbie Jenkins threw for five touchdowns to bring the Blackbirds within three points in the first half before Reading took control, scoring 30 of the game’s last 36 points. Jenkins, who underwent an MRI on a potentially broken foot Wednesday, will miss this week. He’ll be replaced by his brother, Mike Jenkins.
“Mike’s a very capable backup,” Simpson said. “He’s got a good, strong arm. He’s a big kid, stays in the pocket and throws well. We’re not concerned.”
Tallahassee (10-3) is led by former Florida A&M quarterback Ben Dougherty. He also spent a short time in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ system.
With Dougherty at the helm, the Titans have scored 706 points, averaging 53.4 a game.
“They’re one of those teams that like to get the big strike and hit the home run,” Simpson said. “If we can put some pressure on Dougherty, then we’ve got a shot.”
While the Titans can run up their scoreboard, so can their opponents. Tallahassee has allowed 44.1 points a game, including 80 in a loss to Mississippi.
“It’s going to be a dog fight, and we’ve got to keep up with them,” Simpson said. “If we can get one or two more stops than them, we can win.”
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