Final Stats (PDF)

Itta Bena, Miss. - The Jackson State University defense imposed its will early and often in a 21-6 win on the road at Mississippi Valley State University here at Rice-Totten Stadium on Saturday and improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Southwestern Athletics Conference (SWAC) play. 

After the loss, the MVSU Delta Devils dropped to 1-6 and 1-3 in league play. 

"We've got to learn how to close out games," said JSU head coach T.C. Taylor, whose team held MVSU scoreless until the waning moments of the contest. "We're still growing as a football team. But we'll take it and grow from it and get ready for next week."

Antonio Doyle led the Tigers' defense, which had three interceptions, 12 tackles for a loss of 60 yards, eight sacks, and three quarterback hurries. John Huggins accounted for six tackles and two interceptions for a Jackson State defense that was flying all over the field. 

Valley was held to just 11 first downs and converted only four third downs on the afternoon. MVSU's young quarterback, Ty'Jarian Williams, was held to 16 completions and 155 yards passing after throwing for over 200 yards a week ago.

Jacobian Morgan got the start under center and ran and threw for a touchdown for Jackson State. Morgan rushed for 75 yards and ran over a Valley player on his way to another rushing touchdown. He threw for 141 yards while connecting with nine different receivers and connecting with Joanes Fortilien for a 14-yard touchdown strike.  

Jackson State scored first on an 11-yard run by Desmond Moultrie that capped a seven-play 58-yard drive for the Tigers as they took an early 7-0 lead. 

Morgan's 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave Jackson State a 14-0 lead heading into the half. The Tigers took the 21-0 lead on the touchdown catch by Fortilien. 

MVSU would get on the board with less than 30 seconds left to play on a 52-yard run by DePhabian Fant to make the final score 21-6. 

B.J. Washington picked off his third pass for the Tigers, while John Huggins had his first multiple-interception game. 

The Tigers will gear up for a trip to Pine Bluff, Ark., next week for a matchup against the Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on Saturday, Oct. 28. Game time is scheduled for a 2 p.m. kickoff and is scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN+.