ATLANTA, Ga. | As the clock started to wind down late in the fourth quarter and emotions began to show on the Jackson State sideline, the Tigers lined up in victory formation to seal a 28-7 victory in the Cricket Celebration Bowl over South Carolina State to capture the 2024 HBCU National Championship with its tenth consecutive victory.
Jackson State (12-2) jumped out to a three-touchdown lead early in the fourth quarter before South Carolina State (9-3) was able to get on the board, before putting the game with the second touchdown reception from Joanes Fortilien with 4:47 to play. The Tigers used a 19-play, 78-yard drive to close the first quarter and open the second quarter culminating with a four-yard pass from Jacobian Morgan to Fortilien in the back of the end zone for a 7-0 lead. They added to the lead with a pair of Irv Mulligan rushing touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead with 14:48 to play in the game.
Although South Carolina State pulled to within two touchdowns late, the game was never in doubt. The Tigers had an 81-yard punt return from Travis Terrell Jr. called back in the first quarter, and a 90-yard interception return from Anthony Petty called back on the last play of the first half.
Jackson State outgained South Carolina State 385-178 on the night in total yards including a 122-yard difference in rushing. The Tigers finished the night with 152 yards to just 30 for South Carolina State with Irv Mulligan finishing with 71 yards on 25 carries. Emari Matthews finished with 55 yards on 11 carries and Morgan 24 yards on 10 carries.
Morgan finished the day 15-of-21 for 233 yards with Fortilien leading the way with six receptions (43 yards). Isaiah Spencer finished with 123 yards on three receptions and Ja’Naylon Dupree 31 yards on three receptions.
Defensively, Shamar Hawkins finished with six tackles and one interception, and Cameron Smith finished with five. The Tigers finished the night with three sacks and five tackles for loss against South Carolina State.
The national championship is the fourth in school history and the first since 1996 and the first for second-year head coach, and Jackson State alum, T.C. Taylor.
How It Happened
2nd Quarter (11:26) – Fortilien 4-yd pass from Morgan (Gerardo Baeza kick), Jackson State 7-0.
2nd Quarter (5:39) – Mulligan 1-yd run (Baeza kick), Jackson State 14-0.
4th Quarter (14:48) – Mulligan 2-yd run (Baeza kick), Jackson State 21-0.
4th Quarter (11:13) – Phoenix 3-yd run (Gallegos kick), Jackson State 21-7.
4th Quarter (4:47) – Fortilien 4-yd pass from Morgan (Baeza kick), Jackson State 28-7.
Source: Jackson State Athletics/GoJSUTigers.com