Jackson State football secured a gritty 16-10 victory over Alabama State on Saturday at ASU Stadium in Montgomery, clinching its third SWAC East title in four seasons. The win pushes Jackson State’s record to 9-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play, ensuring the team a spot in the SWAC Championship Game, where it will host SWAC West Champion Southern University on December 7. The winner of that matchup will advance to face MEAC champion South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl.
JSU leaned on a strong defensive effort and timely plays to hold off a determined Alabama State team. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan was instrumental in the win, throwing two touchdown passes, including a 44-yard strike to Ja’Naylon Dupree in the third quarter that proved to be the game-winner. The Jackson State defense, led by Robert McDaniel’s 14 tackles, added a critical safety late in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
Alabama State running back Daquon Kincey had a standout performance, rushing for 144 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown in the third quarter that briefly narrowed the deficit. However, the Hornets’ offensive struggles in the passing game, managing only four yards through the air, allowed the Tiger defense to control the tempo.