MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Jackson State used a potent offensive attack and key special teams play to defeat Tennessee State 38-16 in the 2021 Southern Heritage Classic from the historic Liberty Bowl.
 
It was a record-breaking performance for freshman quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The Canton, Texas product completed 30-for-40 passes for 362 yards and three touchdowns. Sanders' 30 completions set a SHC record.
 
Leading 24-10 late in the fourth quarter, Warren Newman's 81-yard punt return at the 7:29 point put the game out of reach. Newman's return was a SHC record.
 
JSU found the end zone first when Sanders connected with senior Josh Lanier for a 14-yard pitch-and-catch at the 19-second mark in the first quarter. JSU and TSU traded field goals late in the second quarter and the Blue and White went into halftime with a 10-7 lead.
 
The Tigers offense took off in the third quarter. Sanders found senior Keith Corbin III for a 67-yard touchdown strike and connected with junior Shane Hooks for a 10-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 24-7 after three quarters of play.
 
Senior Peytton Pickett added a four-yard rushing touchdown at 2:55 in the fourth quarter to put the contest out of reach.
 
Sanders distributed the ball to nine different receivers. Freshman Trevonte Rucker finished with a team-high five receptions for 72 yards and Corbin III finished with 69 yards. Hooks added 47 yards and Lanier came through with 46 yards.
 
James Houston led a stout defensive effort with 10 tackles, five tackles for loss and four and a half sacks.
 
Memphis native and reigning SWAC Defensive Player of the Aubrey Miller, Jr. finished with 10 stops and two sacks.
 
As a defensive unit JSU held TSU (0-2, 0-0 OVC) to 264 total yards and 70 yards rushing and 1.7 yards per rush.
 
JSU (2-0, 1-0 SWAC) travel to UL-Monroe next Saturday for a national broadcast on ESPN3. It will be the first time the two programs meet on the gridiron.