Jackson State’s homecoming looked like it might get spoiled when Florida A&M carried a 17-12 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Tigers scored 15 unanswered points to secure a 27-17 victory Saturday evening.
Jackson State (6-1, 3-1 SWAC) leaned on its ground game, rushing for 228 yards and two touchdowns. While the passing game was not as fluid, quarterback Jared Lockhart connected with Jabari Jones on a 25-yard go-ahead touchdown pass with 12:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. Lockhart then ran in the two-point conversion to give the Tigers a 20-17 lead.
Running back Nate Blount IV added an insurance score with a 2-yard touchdown run with just over nine minutes remaining. Blount finished with 63 yards on 11 carries, while Li’Darious Pryor rushed for 80 yards and Lockhart added 53. Caron Tyler also found the end zone on an 8-yard run in the first quarter.
Florida A&M (2-5, 1-2) held the lead through three quarters after quarterback Armond Parker scored on a 5-yard run, running back Jamal Hailey broke free for an 81-yard run, and Andrew Ivanicuic connected on a 31-yard field goal. But the Tigers defense forced a safety at the end of the second quarter before holding the Rattlers scoreless in the fourth quarter.
J’Cori Hargon led Jackson State with six tackles and two quarterback hurries. B.J. Washington recorded two interceptions, while Mikey Johnson picked off another. The Tigers sacked Parker three times throughout the game.
Jackson State will return to action next Saturday at Bethune-Cookman.
