Jackson State at Alabama State
Montgomery, Ala.
TV: ESPN 2
3 p.m.
Live Stats
Radio: JSU Sports Network and Sirius 121, XM 201, Online 964

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The No. 21/24 ranked Jackson State football team travels to SWAC East Division rival Alabama State on Saturday, March 20 for a 3 p.m. kickoff that's slated to be broadcast on ESPN 2, Sirius XM and the Jackson State Sports Network.
 
Jackson State and Alabama State
 
This will be the 51^st time the Tigers and Hornets meet on the gridiron. JSU leads the all-time series 32-17-1, however, ASU has seen recent success and have won the past 10 contests 7-3. The Tigers last won in the series in 2018, which was a 20-2 triumph in Montgomery.
 
Jackson State Ranked
 
For the first time since the FCS final rankings in 2011 the Tigers find themselves in the FCS Coaches and FCS Stats Perform polls. JSU is ranked No. 21 in the Coaches' poll and No. 24 in the Stats Perform Poll.
 
1996
 
The Tigers look to start 4-0 for the first time since 1996. JSU defeated Alabama State, Tennessee State, Mississippi Valley State and Florida A&M. The No. 1 song in 1996 was Macarena by Los del Rio.
 
"Dale a tu cuerpo alegría Macarena
Que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegría y cosa buena
Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena
Hey Macarena"
 
Baldwin and Newman Standout
 
Junior wide receiver Daylen Baldwin and senior slot receiver Warren Newman have emerged as the best wide receiver duo in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and at the FCS level. Baldwin has racked up 301 yards receiving and five touchdowns, both of which lead the SWAC. Baldwin, a Detroit, Michigan native is averaging 100.3 yards per game, which also ranks first in the conference. Newman has grabbed 17 balls which is the most in the conference to go along with 159 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Warren, a New Orleans, Louisiana native is averaging 5.7 receptions per game, which ranks third in the SWAC.
 
Atop the SWAC
 
JSU boasts the conference's top-ranked offense and top-ranked defense. The Tigers are scoring 43.0 points per game and allowing an average of 11.7 points per game. The Blue & White have accounted for 1364 total yards for an average of 454.7 yards per game. On defense, the Tigers are allowing just 265.3 yards per game and 3.9 yards per play. The Tigers' wins over Edward Waters, Mississippi Valley State and Grambling State rank first, second, and third in points scored in a game.
 
Alabama State is in the middle of the pack and its 21 points per game ranks fourth and its 24 points allowed per game also ranks fourth in the conference. It's important to note the Hornets' have only played in one game.
 
Jones Prolific
 
JSU's prolific offense has produced 17 touchdowns and sophomore quarterback Jalon Jones is a major factor why. Jones leads the conference with 593 passing yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is completing 67.2 percent (43-for-54) of his passes and averages 197.7 passing yards per game. Jones also ranks third in the conference in rushing with 120 yards and his three rushing touchdowns rank first.
 
Miller and Hampton Holding it Down
 
A major reason why JSU has the top-ranked defense in the SWAC is behind the play of senior linebacker Aubrey Miller, Jr. and junior linebacker Keonte Hampton. Miller ranks second in the SWAC with 11.5 stops per game and his 15 solo tackles are atop the conference standings. Hampton, a West Point, Mississippi product is fourth in the SWAC with 10 tackles per game and his 30 tackles rank second in the conference.