JSU Tigers Avoid Halloween Scare, Beat MVSU Delta Devils 26-16

ITTA BENA, Mississippi –  The Jackson State Tigers overcame a 16-9 fourth quarter deficit, four turnovers (two interceptions and two lost fumbles) and nine penalties for 92 yards to beat the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 26-16 at Rice-Totten Stadium on Halloween.

With the Tigers trailing 16-9 in the fourth quarter, freshman quarterback Jordan Williams helped cap a five play, 32-yard drive with an electrifying eight yard run. In his collegiate debut, Williams was able to weave his way through the Delta Devil goal line defense en route to the score. Ryan Deising’s point after kick tied the game at 16-16 with 9:06 left in the game. From that moment on JSU had the momentum.

Four minutes later a visibly injured LaMontiez Ivy connected with Devin Fosselman on a 24-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers a 23-16 advantage. With 1:40 left in the game Deising connected on a 33-yard field goal (the 52nd of his career) to put the game out of reach.

When asked how his team scored 17 fourth quarter points during the post game interview, interim head coach Derrick McCall stated, “we just stuck with our game plan (to have a good run/pass balance).”

Deising who put the first points of the game on the scoreboard with a 36-yard field goal broke JSU’s career field goal record. He went into the game tied with Eric Perri, with each having 48 field goals. Deising also connected on a 33-yard field goal at the 5:02 mark in the first quarter to give JSU an early 6-0 advantage.

JSU’s offense struggled to consistently move the ball over the next two quarters, due to the sloppy field conditions. The game, which had to be moved up due to inclement weather, saw a steady downpour through the first half. The rain was so heavy that neither marching band performed during halftime. In addition to the weather obstacle, the Tigers had to use Ivy as an emergency quarterback because Jarin Morikawa, who started the game, lasted two series before going out with an injury himself.

The Delta Devils tied the game at 6-6 at the 8:32 mark in the second quarter when Farrean Toney returned an Ivy interception 32 yards for a touchdown. Ruben Piraquive’s 27-yard field goal at 7:57 in the second quarter gave Mississippi Valley State its first lead of the game.

With JSU trailing 16-6, Zavian Bingham’s 41-yard kick-off return, to the JSU 45-yard line, put the Tigers in position to end the third quarter with a score. With the Tigers facing a fourth and two, Daniel Williams, hauled in a 35-yard strike from Ivy to the Valley seven-yard line, which eventually led to a 24-yard Deising field goal with 54 seconds left in the third quarter.

JSU used an effective ground game, led by Robert Johnson who finished with 112 rushing yards on 24 carries. Johnson posted his second straight 100-yard rushing game of the season. Ivy completed 12 of 28 passing attempts for 147 yards and a touchdown. Devin Fosselman led all receivers with six catches for 85 yards and touchdown. Deising was perfect going 4-4 in field goals attempts.

JSU returns to action Saturday, Nov. 7 when Alabama State visits Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. For ticket information call the JSU Athletics Ticket Office at 601-979-2420. For all the up-to-date information of JSU athletics visit www.jsutigers.com,

Post Game Notes:

-Ryan Deising now stands alone as JSU’s all-time leader in career field goals (52). He was a perfect 4-4 against MVSU.

-Freshman QB Jordan Williams made an impressive collegiate debut, as he jump-started the Tigers offense, scoring on an electrifying eight-yard TD run.

-RB Robert Johnson posted his second straight and third career 100-yard rushing game. He finished with 112 against Mississippi Valley State.

-DE/LB Javancy Jones was all over the field for JSU. He finished with nine tackles, a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and a QB hurry.

-LB Kwame Bowens also had an outstanding game as he posted eight tackles. Half a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, a blocked kick and an interception.

-JSU held Valley to 11 first downs, 69 rush yards, 62 pass yards and 131 total offensive yards.



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