JACKSON, Miss. - Jackson State football fell 28-24 to Alcorn State at home Saturday afternoon in the latest edition of the Soul Bowl at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of a crowd of over 42,000 fans.
The Braves improved to 7-4 on the year and 6-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, while the Tigers fell to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in conference matchups.
Jacobian Morgan led Jackson State's passing attack with 151 yards through the air, tossing three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Morgan also rushed for 16 yards, using his legs to help the Tigers pick up critical third downs.
Ezequiel Johnson totaled 81 yards to lead the Tigers' ground attack, picking up 9 yards per carry. Zy McDonald also picked up 56 yards on the ground on his only carry of the afternoon, which was the longest play from scrimmage for Jackson State.
The most prolific target for Jackson State quarterbacks was Fabian McCray, who caught six passes for 109 yards and two scores. Isaiah Spencer also got in on the action in the passing game, hauling in seven balls for 81 yards.
Jaheem Hazel showed up for the Jackson State defense, collecting six tackles and one interception. The interception by Hazel made it 10 of 11 games with an interception by the Tiger's defense. Isaac Peppers added five tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack, and McDonald had one in the loss.
Jackson State converted on 43.8 percent of third-down attempts on the day.
Defensively, Jackson State held up fairly well against the Alcorn State offensive attack, holding the Braves to 296 total yards.
How It Happened
Jackson State responded to an early 14-0 Alcorn State lead with a second-quarter touchdown to narrow the deficit to 14-7. The Tigers kept Alcorn State off the scoreboard and followed with a touchdown to even the game at 14-14.
After Alcorn State scored to take a 21-14 lead, Jackson State responded with a touchdown to tie the game at 21-21. Alcorn State fought back to take a 28-21 lead, but the Tigers got on the scoreboard again to cut into the lead and make it a 28-24 game. Neither team scored again in the game.
Game Notes
- Jackson State outgained Alcorn State 431-296, including a 194-71 advantage on the ground.
- Jackson State scored their highest quarter in the second period, scoring 14 points.
- Jackson State converted 7 of 16 third downs, while Alcorn State was successful on 3 of 11.
- The team punted once for the Tigers, averaging 45 yards per punt.
- Jackson State went 1-for-2 on fourth down, converting on 50 percent of attempts.
- Jackson State won the time of possession battle 33:12 to 26:48.
- Morgan completed 68.8% of his passes on the day, going 11-for-16 and averaging 9.4 yards per attempt.
- Aaron Allen led the Braves passing attack, completing 16 of his 24 attempts for 225 yards and three touchdowns with one interception.
- Monterio Hunt was Alcorn State's leading receiver with 88 yards and two touchdowns.
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