INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jackson State competed in the Circle City Classic at Lucas Oil Stadium against Kentucky State Saturday in what would turn out to be an interesting finish.

Despite a career-high 279 passing yards and three touchdown passes from Derrick Ponder, the Tigers came up just short of pulling off a victory, 33-25.  

In the first quarter, JSU drew first blood with a 13-yard pass from Ponder to Kennen Young to take a 7-0 lead with 10:44 left in the opening period.

Minutes later the Tigers added a 21-yard field goal from Adrian Salazar pushing the lead to 10-0, but KSU answered with a score of their own before the end of the period.

The extra point attempt was no good and JSU took a 10-6 lead into the second quarter. The Thorobreds outscored the Tigers 14-0 in the remainder of the first half and took a 20-10 lead into the locker room. 

The third quarter went much like the first half ended as KSU outscored JSU 13-0 to lead 33-10 heading into the game's final minutes.

KSU utilized it's triple option for the majority of the game, attempting only three total passes in the game with one completion. Option-based offenses utilize the scheme and misdirection plays in order to trick and confuse defenses that are superior in talent. 

As the fourth quarter began, things began to click for the Tigers with Ponder finding Warren Newman and Terrell Kennedy III for scores of seven and 12 yards respectively along with a successful two-point conversion with 2:42 remaining in the game, but the JSU comeback bid fell just short after outscoring the Thorobreds 15-0 in the final minutes. 

The Tigers (1-3) return to Jackson next week for the W.C. Gorden Classic against the Grambling State Tigers for its home-opener. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.