Vicksburg Daily News –
Story from JSU Athletics:
JACKSON, Miss. | Irv Mulligan and Emari Matthews led No. 25 Jackson State’s rushing attack and two big defensive plays in the fourth quarter helped the Tigers pull out a 35-21 come-from-behind victory over No. 18 Florida A&M on Saturday in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of a nationally-televised audience on ESPNU.
Mulligan finished the night with 139 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown, and gave way to Matthews two times near the goal line for his first two career touchdowns to bookend the victory for Jackson State (5-2, 3-0 SWAC). Jacobian Morgan finished 56 yards rushing on 13 carries while also passing for 155 yards on 15-of-25 passing.
The Tigers connected with seven different receivers on the night including four receptions from Ja’Naylon Dupree for 33 yards. Tyquan Henderson finished with three receptions for 71 yards and Joanes Fortilien three for 26 yards on the day.
Defensively, Jackson State held Florida A&M (3-3, 1-1 SWAC), the defending SWAC and HBCU National Champion, to just 63 yards rushing for the game and just 300 yards of total offense. Jeremiah Williams led the defense with nine tackles, while Joshua Nobles finished with six total tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Tigers also forced three turnovers on the night including an interception by Ke’Vric Wiggins Jr., but it was two big forced fumbles that led to the win.
Tru Thompson knocked the ball loose from Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson leading to a scoop and score from 32 yards by Phillip Webb, before Reid Pulliam knocked the ball loose on the next possession leading to Matthews’ final touchdown.
How It Happened
1st Quarter (10:07) – Matthews 4-yd run (Gerardo Baeza kick), Jackson State 7-0.
1st Quarter (2:53) – A’ceon Cobb 50-yd pass from Richardson (Camerson Gillis kick), 7-7.
1st Quarter (1:54) – Mulligan 54-yd rush (Baeza kick), Jackson State 14-7.
1st Quarter (1:11) – Jamari Gassett 34-yd pass from Richardson (Gillis kick),14-14.
2nd Quarter (12:19) – Baeza 36-yd field goal, Jackson State 17-14.
2nd Quarter (4:51) – Cobb 8-yd pass from Richardson (Gillis kick), Florida A&M 21-17.
2nd Quarter (0:58) – Baeza 37-yd field goal, Florida A&M 21-20.
4th Quarter (3:34) – Webb 32-yd fumble return (Morgan rush good), Jackson State 28-21.
4th Quarter (1:16) – Matthews 2-yd run (Baeza kick), Jackson State 35-21.
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