Jackson State football dominates S.C. State, marking a victorious start to the TC Taylor era

Jackson State football avenges previous loss to South Carolina State with a dominant 37-7 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

In a rematch of their previous encounter, Jackson State football emerged victorious over South Carolina State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Tigers, seeking revenge for their loss in the Celebration Bowl two years ago, dominated the game with a final score of 37-7 under the leadership of new head coach T.C. Taylor.

This win marks the second consecutive victory for the SWAC in the challenge, following Alabama State's triumph over Howard in the previous season. For Jackson State, it is their first win against a MEAC team since their victory over Florida A&M in 2018, and it serves as redemption for their loss to South Carolina State in the 2021 Celebration Bowl when Deion Sanders was still the coach.

Jason Brown, making his first start for Jackson State, showcased his talent by throwing for an impressive 356 yards. The Tigers' offense outperformed the Bulldogs, amassing a total of 490 yards compared to South Carolina State's 201 yards. In the first half alone, Jackson State averaged over 10 yards per play, finishing the game with an average of 8.75 yards per play.

Looking ahead, Jackson State's next game is scheduled for September 3rd in the Orange Blossom Classic against Florida A&M. The game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida and will be televised on ESPN.

Throughout the game, Jackson State demonstrated their dominance, with only a missed field goal and a fumble blemishing an otherwise flawless performance in the first two quarters. The Tigers took an early 17-0 lead, with their running game leading the way. Irv Mulligan's 46-yard touchdown run on the first drive set the tone, and the strong offensive line created ample opportunities for both Mulligan and JD Martin. In the second quarter, Brown showcased his passing skills, completing 10 consecutive passes and connecting with Jency Riley for a 35-yard touchdown.

Defensively, Jackson State applied immense pressure on South Carolina State's quarterback Corey Fields, limiting him to just three completions out of 11 attempts in the first half.

While South Carolina State managed to stay within reach during the first half, any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished in the third quarter. Jackson State scored on all three of their drives, extending their lead to 34-0. Brown continued his impressive performance, extending his consecutive completions streak to 15.

With the game firmly in their control, Jackson State focused on running down the clock in the second half. Their 17-play drive in the fourth quarter resulted in a short field goal by Gerardo Baeza.

Despite making a quarterback change and bringing in Andre Washington for a couple of drives, South Carolina State struggled to ignite their offense in the third quarter. Fields reentered the game in the final five minutes and led a late touchdown drive, allowing the Bulldogs to put points on the board with just 22 seconds remaining.

Overall, Jackson State's victory over South Carolina State was a statement of their dominance and determination to avenge their previous loss. With their sights set on future success, the Tigers look to continue their winning streak in upcoming games.

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