MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Ashton Taylor got around his blocker and sacked Alabama State quarterback Kareem Keyes in the end zone to secure a 16-10 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) victory for the Tigers, the seventh consecutive of the season.
Jackson State (9-2, 7-0 SWAC) not only won the game but also claimed the SWAC East Division championship and a berth in the conference's Championship Game on December 7. The division title is the first under second-year head coach T.C. Taylor with the site to be named by the conference office early next week.
The play from Taylor was one of two big players for the linebacker, breaking up a fourth-quarter pass down the seam in man-to-man coverage earlier in the game.
The Tigers looked to their defense on Saturday as the offense was held to just 194 total yards against one of the best FCS defenses in Alabama State (5-5, 4-3 SWAC). The defense held Alabama State to just 188 total yards of offense including just four passing yards, and allowing 184 rushing yards. Kareem Keyes finished 3-for-9 passing with an interception (by Ke'Vric Wiggins Jr.) and the Hornets also lost a fumble on the night.
Robert McDaniel led the defense with 14 tackles including nine solo stops, while also recording 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack from his nickel back position. Tru Thompson and Jeremiah Williams each added six tackles in the win, while Esaias Guthrie finished with five tackles and a fumble recovery.
Irv Mulligan, the conference's leading rusher, was held to 57 yards on 22 carries on the night while Travis Terrell Jr. added 28 on four carries. Jacobian Morgan finished 8-for-13 for 120 yards and a touchdown, while Ja'Naylon Dupree finished with a pair of receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers controlled field position most of the night with Alabama State averaging a start from its 24-yard line due in part to Matt Noll who averaged 44.4 yards per punt with three punts inside the 20 and inside the five-yard line.
How It Happened
1st Quarter (3:30) - Brandon Gilliam 32-yd field goal, Alabama State 3-0.
2nd Quarter (1:44) - Jameel Gardner Jr. 24-yd pass from Morgan (Gerardo Baeza kick), Jackson State 7-3.
3rd Quarter (7:37) - Dupree 44-yd pass from Morgan (Baeza kick), Jackson State 14-3.
3rd Quarter (6:04) - Daquon Kincey 46-yd run (Gilliam kick), Jackson State 14-10.
4th Quarter (2:02) - Ashton Taylor safety, Jackson State 16-10.
Up Next
Jackson State returns to action on the road Saturday afternoon in the regular season finale against Alcorn State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
Follow Jackson State Athletics
For complete coverage of Jackson State athletics, follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter), Jackson State Tigers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Jackson State athletics at GoJSUTigers.com.
