Southern Miss Defeats JSU in Season Opener

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Southern Miss defeated Jackson State 55-7 in the season-opener for both teams Saturday evening at M.M. Roberts Stadium.

In the third quarter, JSU (0-1, 0-0 SWAC) sustained a nine-play, 84-yard drive that culminated with a nine-yard pitch-and-catch from Jarrad Hayes to Kobe Gates.

Hayes, who relieved starter Derrick Ponder late in the third quarter, finished 7 for 8 for 56 yards.

Keshawn Harper was the Tigers’ top rusher. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder ran for 69 yards on nine carries, including a long of 45 yards. As a team, JSU ran for 105 yards on 22 carries for an average of 4.6 yards per carry.

The JSU defense forced three turnovers. Keontre Hampton and Tyler Rogers each came away with an interception. Charles Anderson added seven stops and recovered one fumble. Quedarrion Barnett led the Tigers with eight tackles.

The JSU defense did not allow USM (1-0, 0-0 CUSA) to eclipse the individual 100-yard mark.

The Tigers turn their attention to the Southern Heritage Classic and rival Tennessee State next Saturday at 6 p.m.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI  ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS