By Kendrick Marshall
(Source: HBCU Sports)
The much-anticipated SWAC showdown delivered on all fronts, living up to the hype as a thrilling offensive battle that was eventually decided by a defensive stop.
Alabama State pushed deep into Jackson State territory late in the fourth quarter, reaching the 2-yard line with just one second left, highlighted by a crucial 20-yard strike to Dylan Djete.
However, the Hornets hopes were dashed when quarterback Andrew Body’s final pass to running back Jamarie Hostzclaw was stopped just short of the end zone.
Jackson State emerged victorious 38-34 on Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“You talk about a championship-level performance by (the) Jackson State Tigers, you saw it out there tonight,” Taylor said. “… The will that (I’ve) seen this football team play with tonight, just refuse to lose that game, I can’t say enough about it.”
It is rare for a game to live up to all the pre-game billing and hype. But this battle between the two clear best teams in HBCU football did just that.
Quarterback Andrew Body, in his first signature game, went 20 for 30 passing for 349 yards, one touchdown, and one interception; 14 rushing attempts for 93 yards after a slow start.
Despite failing to score at the buzzer, Hostzclaw dashed for 53 yards and scored two touchdowns. Jalen Jones had six catches and a TD.
On the other side, JaCobian Morgan had his best regular-season performance as a Jackson State quarterback. Morgan threw five touchdown passes, his second game in a row throwing at least four, including the game-winner to Nate Rembert with 50 seconds left.
In total, he was 16 of 23 for 193 yards, rising to the occasion and responding to the high-powered Alabama State offense.
Jackson State (5-1, 3-0) remains the only unbeaten team in the SWAC East, controlling its destiny.
“This is one of the biggest (wins) in my career as a head coach and just playing the game,” Taylor said. ‘The road to the SWAC Championship is going to run through Jackson, Mississippi.”