Tennessee State 31, Jackson State 30, OT

September 16, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—The Tennessee State Tigers defeated Jackson State in overtime for the second consecutive year. Brandon Williams took a shoveled pass from senior quarterback Richard Hartman, after a muffed snap on the final extra-point attempt, and forced his way into the end zone for a two-point conversion and a 31-30 victory in front of 53,441 at the Liberty Bowl. The win is the fourth straight for TSU over the Tigers from Jackson State.

JSU scored a touchdown and converted a two-point conversion with 1:32 remaining in the game to force overtime. Jackson State (1-1) scored on their first possession of OT before the Big Blue marched 25 yards, finishing with a 4-yard touchdown run by Javarris Williams.

Sophomore quarterback Antonio Heffner completed 10-of-17 passes for 158 yards and was selected as the Classic’s Most Valuable Player. Williams rushed for over 100 yards for the third consecutive time this season, matching his total from last year, finishing with 111 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.

Tigers head coach James Webster, Jr. picked up his first back-to-back wins as TSU improved to 2-1. The Big Blue returns to Nashville to take on cross-town opponent Vanderbilt on Saturday, September 23. Kick-off for the first meeting between the two teams is set for 6 p.m.