The Jackson State Tigers fell to FBS opponent Texas State Saturday night by a score of 77-34.
In what was a high-scoring first half, Jackson State cut the deficit to 14-6 on a seven-yard touchdown run by Virginia Tech transfer quarterback Jason Brown with 4:35 left to play in the first quarter. The two teams then combined for seven straight touchdown drives to go into halftime with a 56-20 ballgame in favor of the Bobcats.
In the second half, Texas State continued to break the game open with their ninth touchdown of the contest. The Tigers responded a couple of drives later with a Tim Steward interception that resulted in Brown connecting with Isaiah Spencer on a nine-yard touchdown pass to make the score 63-27.
Two fourth-quarter touchdowns from the Bobcats and one from the Tigers – a 28-yard connection between Louisiana transfer Zy McDonald and Hayden Hagler – would wrap up the contest as Jackson State returns to FCS play for the rest of the season.
The Tigers were led on the stat sheet by Brown, who finished with 209 passing yards, an interception, and one rushing touchdown. McDonald finished with 73 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Freshman running back Ahmad Miller was close to eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career with 98 yards on 13 carries. Safety Tim Steward finished with 10 total tackles as the Tiger defense failed to sack the quarterback.
Next up for Jackson State (2-2, 0-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) will be the team’s home opener against Bethune-Cookman in the annual W.C. Gorden Classic.
