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Jackson State 27, Howard 17Chicago, IL - Howard University spotted Jackson State a 27-3 lead and tried to stage a comeback, but it was too little, too late as the Bison fell, 27-17 in the Fifth Annual Chicago Classic at Soldier Field before an announced crowd of 50,000.After Howard (0-1) narrowed the margin to 6-3 on a 27-yard field goal by senior placekicker Jason Walker, the Tigers responded on the passing combination of sophomore quarterback Robert Kent and senior wide receiver T.C. Taylor, who combined for two touchdowns during a 21-0 run that opened a 27-3 advantage early in the third quarter. The Bison did not help their cause offensively as they committed several mistakes (15 penalties, 5 fumbles but only 1 lost) that stymied potential scoring drives. Howard had the ball deep in JSU¹s territory three times and each time they were denied the end zone on fourth down. The highly-touted defense played well in spots, but it also contributed by giving up several big plays to the Tigers¹ offense on third and long. Howard finally found some rhythm in the fourth quarter under the leadership of senior quarterback Travis Coleman, who engineered 91- and 70-yard drives that culminated in scoring strikes of 17 and nine yards to senior wide receiver Jevonte Philpot. The Bison forced a JSU turnover on the ensuing possession, but failed to capitalize and the Tigers ran out the clock and handed Howard its fourth straight defeat dating back to last season. It also marked the third straight year that the Bison have lost to JSU. The bright spots on offense was the play of Coleman (17 of 42, 309 yards, 2 TDs), Philpot (5 receptions, 79 yards, 2 TDs) and sophomore playmaker Jay Colbert (6 receptions, 121 yards). Defensively, junior All-American Tracy White had another of what is becoming routine. The 6-0, 230-pound junior linebacker finished with 13 tackles and an interception. Senior linebacker Oby Arah, who was named the game defensive MVP for the second straight year, recorded seven tackles and a sack while junior defensive end Damian Walker contributed eight tackles and two sacks. The Bison received some bad news after the game. Junior All-MEAC safety Vontrae Long suffered a fractured ankle that may sideline him for the rest of the season. Howard does not have long to reflect on the loss because conference rival Hampton University (0-1) comes to Greene Stadium for a big MEAC showdown at High Noon (12 noon). The game will be televised on the MEAC-TV package and will be shown on Comcast SportsNet (CSN).
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