Author: Aryan Virani
The South Carolina State Bulldogs and The Jackson State Tigers squared off in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff game. The Tigers finished the 2022 season with an 12-1 record, losing only in the Celebration Bowl and went 12-0 in the regular season. The Tigers will look completely different with multiple starters gone and also the departure of Head Coach Deion Sanders. The Bulldogs try to avenge a poor 2022, going 3-8 and dropping the last 4 games of the year.
After an opening possession 3 and out by South Carolina State, Jackson State got to work. It took only 3 plays, as Irv Mulligan raced 46 yards for a touchdown. After both teams traded a few punts, Jackson State was back on the board. The Tigers quarterback Jason Brown, a senior who threw just 13 passes last year was dialed in. He completed a 35 yard touchdown to Jency Riley for his first of the season. The Jackson State defense was dialed in all day, allowing just 201 yards. They held strong through the first half, and the Tigers went into the half up 17-0.
The Tigers opened the 2nd half with the ball. After strolling down the field again, Brown found another one of his pass catchers in DJ Stevens for a 21 yard touchdown and it was all Tigers, up 24-0. Another Drive for the Bulldogs with nothing going for them gave Jason Brown a chance to put the game away. It didn't take him long again, connecting with Andre Hunt for a 44 yard strike to make it 31-0. From here on out the Tigers defense defended their lead, and would end up winning 37-7.
Jackson State has a lot to look forward to this year. Those players who have stuck around even after Deion Sanders accepted the Colorado Head Coach job have a chip on their shoulder and they played like they have something to prove. Quarterback Jason Brown led the way, completing 26/30 for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running Back Irv Mulligan ran for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers will play Florida A&M next week. South Carolina State did not play their best this week, but it is very early in the season. They will look to turn things around next week traveling to Charlotte.