The Jackson State University football team will host Campbell of the Big South Conference in a Saturday homecoming battle at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
GAME INFORMATION:
Last week, Jackson State got off to a fast start with touchdowns on its first three possessions in scoring the games' first 39 points en route to a Southwestern Athletic Conference win over Bethune-Cookman. JSU's special teams and defense combined for three safeties in the game, tying an NCAA FCS Record. After the first safety was scored after an errant B-CU punt snap out of the end zone, sacks by
John Huggins and
Baron Hopson resulted in the additional safeties.
The defense recorded eight sacks in the game, the second-highest total of the season.
Jeremiah Brown's career-high two sacks (along with a career-best four tackles) led the team. Jackson State allowed only 166 total yards (third-fewest this season), the 4th time this season allowing less than 200 yards (39 rushing / 127 passing). The 10 first downs allowed ties for the 2nd fewest allowed this season. The defense yielded only 3 of
16 third-down conversions (1-2 4th down).
The fast start led the offense to gain 496 yards (272 passing / 224 rushing) with 26 first downs. Heisman Trophy and Walter Payton Award candidate
Shedeur Sanders completed 36-of-48 passes for 272 yards and tied a career-high with five touchdown passes with two interceptions.
The Jackson State defense leads the FCS in six statistical categories and ranks in the top four in eight total categories: 1st in scoring defense (9.5 ppg), total defense (185.0 ypg), passing defense (114.0 ypg), third down conversions allowed (21.2%), fewest first downs allowed (68), and t-1st in total sacks (26) while also ranking t-3rd in defense touchdowns (three), and fourth in rushing defense (66.8 ypg). JSU leads the SWAC in each category except defensive TDS (second).
Offensively, JSU leads the SWAC and ranks in the FCS Top 10 in four categories: fourth in passing offense (343.8 ypg), and scoring offense (44.0 ppg), fifth in total offense (509.3 ypg), and third in completion percentage (72.7%). The Tigers are fifth in the SWAC in rushing offense (165.5 ypg), first in first downs gained (163 / 27.2 pg), and second in the SWAC in third-down conversions (46.8%)
Campbell has won three consecutive games since its 1-2 start, including back-to-back conference wins. Offensively, the Camels averaged 30.5 ppg and 435.5 yards total offense (245.5 passing / 190.0 rushing) and convert 41% of 3rd downs.
QB Hajj-Malik Williams has passed for 1,395 yards and 8 TDs with 5 INTs while also rushing for 244 yards and 4 TDs. Defensively, Campbell is allowing 25.3 ppg and 356.8 yards per game (196.5 passing / 160.3 rushing) with 10 takeaways (8 INTs / 2 FR).
Former NFL safety Mike Minter is in his 10th season as head coach. Minter played 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers (1997-2006), including a Super Bowl appearance following the 2003 season.
