Sept. 14, 2008

Final Stats

MEMPHIS, TN - Jackson State scored the games' first 10 points, but Tennessee State took control in the final three quarters earning their sixth straight win over J-State with a 41-18 victory in the 19th annual Southern Heritage Classic.

JSU opened the scoring with a 30-yard Eric Perri field goal at the 4:19 mark in the first quarter. Two minutes later the Tigers had a five-yard scoring pass from Trae Rutland to Carlos Simpson gave Jackson State a 10-0 advantage.

TSU scored four second-quarter touchdowns and seized control of the game as they led 28-10 at the half. Javar Williams scored on a one-yard run at the 13:00 minute mark. Antonio Heffner also scored on a one-yard run at the 6:36 mark in the second. Just over four minutes later Eugene Clifford intercepted a Rutland pass and returned it 43-yard for a TD. With 19 seconds remaining in the half Brandon Belvin hauled in an 18-yard TD pass from Heffner, making the score 28-10.

TSU added three second half scores (1 TD, 2 FGs) as they scored over 30 points for the third time this season.

Bloi-Dei Dorzon scored JSU's final points of the game on a two-yard run. Dorzon rushed for a game high 99 yards on 19 carries. Rutland passed for 57 yard as he completed five of nine pass attempts with two INTs and a TD. Backup Michael Mosley finished with 47 passing yards, completing six of 20 attempts with an INT. Simpson led the TIgers with four receptions for 33 yards and a TD.

Dante' Thomas and Heffner led TSU with 48 rushing yards each. Heffner also passed for 137 yards and a TD. C. Johnson and Belvin each caught four passes for 59 and 56 yards respectively.

JSU will return to action Saturday as the Tigers travel to Grambling, LA to face the Grambling State Tigers in SWAC action. Kickoff is set for 6 pm.