Jackson State Outlasts Alabama State 16-10 to Claim SWAC East Title
Montgomery, AL – November 16, 2024 - In a clash of grit and grind, the Jackson State Tigers roared to a hard-fought 16-10 victory over the Alabama State Hornets, securing their place as kings of the SWAC East Division. This wasn’t just another win – this was a battle for pride, and Jackson State emerged victorious in a game that kept fans on the edge from start to finish.
Jackson State, now 9-2 overall and a perfect 7-0 in conference play, leaned on the arm of quarterback Jacobian Morgan and some fourth-quarter defensive heroics to clinch their division title in front of a roaring crowd of 21,798 at ASU Football Stadium. Morgan threw two essential touchdown passes, slicing through the Alabama State defense at critical moments, finishing 8 of 13 for 120 yards, two touchdowns, and a lone interception.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first quarter set a grinding tone. Alabama State (5-5, 4-3 SWAC) landed the first blow with a 32-yard field goal by Brandon Gilliam. It took until the second quarter for Jackson State to find their rhythm when Morgan launched a 24-yard strike to Jameel Gardner Jr., putting the Tigers up 7-3 before halftime.
In the third quarter, Morgan kept his poise, connecting with Ja'Naylon Dupree on a stunning 44-yard touchdown. Dupree’s two-catch, 75-yard performance was the spark that Jackson State’s offense needed in a game that saw both teams struggle to move the ball consistently. Alabama State countered immediately with a 46-yard touchdown run by Daquon Kincey, who bulldozed his way through the Tigers’ defense, pulling the Hornets back within striking distance at 14-10.
Defense Delivers the Knockout Punch
With just over two minutes left in the game, Alabama State had one final chance to break the Tigers’ perfect conference record. But Jackson State’s defense was relentless, pressuring quarterback K. Keye into his worst nightmare: a sack in the end zone by A. Taylor that delivered the game-sealing safety. Jackson State had secured their six-point lead, putting the exclamation mark on a defensive performance that stifled the Hornets when it mattered most.
Standouts and Stats
While Morgan’s aerial efforts were instrumental, running back Isiah Mulligan handled the gritty work on the ground, carrying 22 times for 57 yards. Kincey was the lone standout for Alabama State with 144 yards on 13 carries, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Jackson State’s balanced attack and steadfast defense. Both teams fought fiercely in the trenches, with Jackson State barely outgaining Alabama State in total yards (194 to 188) and each team committing two turnovers. The game’s tight margins kept fans guessing until the very end.
The Road Ahead
With this victory, Jackson State’s season gains renewed momentum as they set their sights on the SWAC Championship. Now at .500, Alabama State will look to regroup and end the season on a high note. Jackson State Tigers fans can celebrate, knowing their team has not only claimed the East Division title but also earned a chance to fight for conference supremacy.
