Key Takeaways
- Jackson State pulls away late. The Tigers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to secure the victory and improve to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
- Turnovers cost the Rattlers. Florida A&M quarterback Armond Parker threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, preventing the Rattlers from building on last week’s upset of Alabama State.
- Hailey provides a bright spot. Running back Jamal Hailey rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, but Florida A&M fell to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
FAMU came close to pulling off another road upset Saturday, but costly turnovers and a fourth-quarter rally by Jackson State proved too much for the Rattlers to overcome.
FAMU carried a 17-12 lead into the fourth quarter after quarterback Armond Parker scored on a 5-yard run and running back Jamal Hailey broke free for an 81-yard touchdown. Jackson State responded with two touchdowns in the final period to secure a 27-17 victory before 44,173 fans at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi.
The victory improved Jackson State to 6-1 overall ( 3-1 SWAC). FAMU fell to 2-5 overall (1-2 in SWAC).
The trouble began on FAMU’s opening possession when Parker was intercepted by Jackson State defensive back B.J. Washington, who returned the ball 37 yards. The Tigers took advantage of the favorable field position, with Caron Tyler scoring on an 8-yard run to give Jackson State an early 7-0 lead.
The most damaging mistake came in the fourth quarter, shortly after the Rattlers had taken the lead. Parker fumbled on FAMU’s next possession, and Jackson State recovered at the Rattlers’ 29-yard line. Four plays later, Nate Blount IVscored on a 2-yard run with 9:49 remaining, extending the Tigers’ lead to 27-17.
The turnover shifted momentum in Jackson State’s favor and left the Rattlers facing a two-possession deficit in the closing minutes.
Despite the loss, FAMU showed signs that it could compete with one of the SWAC’s top teams.
FAMU will look to regroup this week as it faces the University of Arkansa Pine Bluff at home in Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee, for its third homecoming contest in a row.