Jackson, MS — September 14, 2024
In front of a lively crowd of 32,027 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson State dominated early and held firm in the second half to secure a 33–15 win over Southern University in a non-conference showdown that showcased explosive plays, stout rushing, and opportunistic defense.
Jackson State (2–1) came out fast and efficient, scoring on their first three possessions to take a commanding lead before Southern (1–2) could find its rhythm. The Tigers built a 23–0 advantage midway through the second quarter behind an aggressive ground attack and the poised arm of quarterback Jacobian Morgan.
First Half: JSU Sets the Tone
Jackson State opened the scoring with a 25-yard field goal from Gerardo Baeza after marching 58 yards in just over two minutes. Later in the first quarter, running back J.D. Martin capped off an 11-play, 72-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge to give JSU a 10–0 lead. 
The Tigers extended their lead in the second quarter as Morgan connected with Marvin Landy on a 30-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 30-yard scoring run from Ahmad Miller that made it 23–0. Southern managed to get on the board just before halftime with a 29-yard field goal by Joshua Griffin, narrowing the gap to 23–3 at the break.
Second Half: Southern Fights, But JSU Holds
Southern emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, but JSU struck first in the second half with another Baeza field goal, this time from 39 yards out. Southern answered with their first touchdown of the evening, a 3-yard run from CJ Russell to make it 26–9, but the Tigers quickly countered. Irv Mulligan powered his way into the end zone from five yards out to push the JSU lead back to 24.
In the fourth quarter, Southern put together their most impressive drive of the night — a 97-yard march capped by a 16-yard touchdown pass from Noah Bodden to Jermaine Minor Jr. That cut the lead to 33–15, but Jackson State’s defense closed the door from there.
Key Performers
- Jackson State QB Jacobian Morgan was efficient, going 12-for-21 for 153 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers.
- Running back Ahmad Miller averaged 11.7 yards per carry, including his explosive 30-yard touchdown.
- Linebacker Joshua Nobles anchored the Tiger defense with 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, helping the JSU defense notch three sacks overall.
- Southern QB Noah Bodden put up big numbers in defeat, throwing for 352 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-29 passing, but also threw two costly interceptions.
Stat Breakdown
- Total Yards: Southern 416, Jackson State 399
- Rushing Yards: Jackson State dominated with 201 to Southern’s 29
- Passing Yards: Southern led the air attack, 387 to 198
- Turnovers: Jackson State won the turnover battle, intercepting two passes and recovering one fumble
- Time of Possession: Jackson State edged Southern 31:15 to 28:45
Final Thoughts
Jackson State’s balanced attack and disciplined execution in the first half proved too much for Southern to overcome. While the Jaguars outgained JSU through the air and showed late resilience, the early deficit and lack of a rushing threat proved decisive.
Southern will look to rebound as they begin conference play, while Jackson State rides the momentum into their next matchup with their sights set on continuing their winning ways.
