Jackson State 30, Texas Southern 14

October 18, 2008

HOUSTON, TX - The Jackson State Tigers used a strong running game and stout defense to take home a 30-14 win over the Texas Southern Tigers Saturday night at Delmar Stadium.

With the win JSU improves to a 3-4 overall record and a 2-1 SWAC mark.

Texas Southern falls to 3-5, 0-3. The victory marks the JSU football program's 400th and head coach Rick Comegy's 125th win.

JSU's first scoring drive was set up by a Ryan Rich forced fumble. The Tigers capped a 10 play 36 yard drive with a 27 yard Eric Perri field goal.

On the ensuing possession Texas Southerns Lucas Caparelli scored on a 10 yard shovel pass from back up quarterback Cornelius Harmon. Robert Hersh's extra point kick game the TXSO Tigers a 7-3 lead at the 1:44 mark in the first quarter.

JSU's "Dark Side" defense knocked starter Bobby Reed out of the game in the first quarter.

JSU opened the second quarter with a 31 yard Perri field goal to make the score 7-6 at the 10:44 mark. A second Rich forced fumble set up JSU's next scoring drive. Luther Edwards drug two defenders eight yards to the Texas Southern one yard line, but the defense stiffened and JSU had to settle for a 27 yard Perri field goal at the 3:59 mark to make the score 9-7.

Another Texas Southern turnover set up JSU's fourth score. Marcellus Speaks intercepted a Harmon pass with 1:15 remaining in the half and Trae Rutland connected with Marcellos Wilder for a 50 yard TD strike with 44 seconds remaining in the half. The play is Wilder's first collegiate TD.

Perri's kick gave JSU a 16-7 half time advantage.

The JSU Tigers opened the second half with a 12 play, 83 yard drive that was capped with a tough six yard TD run from Edwards at the 5:47 mark in the third. Perri's kick gave JSU a 23-7 lead.

Texas continued to battle, ending the quarter with a 16 yard Harmon to Brian Haith strike.

Joshua Tiller hauled in a 13 yard pass from Rutland for JSU's final score of the game at the 8:55 mark in the fourth. Rutland finished the game with 180 passing yards and another 67 rushing yards. Edwards rushed for a game high 113 yards and a TD. Darius Bolela added 77 rushing yards. Kennan Tillman caught four passes for 47 yards and Wilder caught 2 for 53 yards and a TD. Marcellus Speaks led the Tigers with eight tackles and Marcus Benard had seven.

JSU will return to action Oct. 25 to host Mississippi Valley State for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 4 pm. For ticket information call 601-979-2420.