Jackson State Tops Texas Southern 30-14

(TSU quarterback Cornelius Harmon completed 14 passes on 29 attempts for 175 yards. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 18, 2008) Despite holding Jackson State to three field goals in the 1st half, Texas Southern was unable to convert their defensive success to offensive points as they lost a hard fought game to Jackson State 30-14 on Saturday night at Houston ISD’s Delmar Stadium.

Jackson State’s Luter Edwards led the charge for the Tigers, rushing for 113 yards and town touchdown, while quarterback Trae Rutland was 11-12 passing for 180 yard and two touchdowns. Rutland also rushed for 67 yards on 10 carries.

Texas Southern quarterback and Oklahoma State transfer Bobby Ried was injured when he was sacked by JSU tackle Dennis Coit. Ried suffered a bruised knee and did not return to the game.

Jackson State built a 16-7 halftime lead.

TSU was unable to overcome JSU strong running game and solid defense, falling to 3-5 for the season and 0-3 in Southwestern Athletic Conference standings.

TSU held the lead 7-3 after the first quarter, but JSU came back with 20 unanswered points before TSU could find the end zone again.

They finally scored their second touchdown in the closing seconds of the 3rd quarter when wide receiver Brian Haith caught a 16 yard pass from backup quarterback Cornelius Harmon. Robert Hersh’s conversion was good to take the score to 23-14.

Jackson State again scored with 8:55 left in the game to finish all scoring.

Jackson State moves to 3-4 for the season and 2-1 in SWAC action. The next game on tap for TSU is against Mississippi Valley State while TSU faces Alcorn State on the road. Both games are scheduled for October 25.