JACKSON, Mississippi -- The University of North Alabama defense was dominant for the first three quarters as the Lions built a 24-0 lead and went on to defeat Jackson State 24-7 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.With the win, North Alabama improves to 5-3, while Jackson State falls to 3-3.
Jackson State was the final Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent for the Lions in 2018 and UNA finished that portion of its schedule with a 3-2 record.
The North Alabama defense held Jackson State to just four first downs and 65 total yards through the first three quarters, while the Christian Lopez threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Lions jumped on top 24-0.
North Alabama finished the game with 365 yards of total offense as Lopez was 14-of-23 passing for 212 yards and rushed for 50. UNA had 153 rushing yards and held the ball for 32:55 of the game.
Jackson State finished the game with 163 total yards.
After getting a defensive stop on JSU's first possession, North Alabama drove 57 yards in eight plays for a touchdown. Christian Lopez's 21-yard pass to Jakobi Byrd and a 15-yard completion to Cortez Hall put the Lions in scoring position. Lopez then scored on a four-yard run and Chandler Carrera's extra-point gave UNA a 7-0 lead at 9:12 of the first quarter.
The Lions missed a scoring opportunity late in the quarter when a 50-yard field goal attempt by Carrera was long enough but sailed slightly wide right. The miss snapped a streak of 10 straight successful field goal attempts by Carrera.
BOX SCORE
ATTENDANCE: 19,750
UNA got back on the scoreboard at 11:52 of the second quarter when Lopez hit Donzell Pollite with a 23-yard touchdown pass. Carrera's PAT made it 14-0.
Carrera had another chance just before the half but was again wide on a 42-yard attempt.
North Alabama's defense dominated the first half, allowing Jackson State just two first downs and 22 total yards.
The Lions extended their lead on the first possession of the second half with a 23-yard Carrera field goal that made it 17-0. A 37-yard Lopez pass to Andre Little moved the ball to the JSU six-yard line but the Lions could not put it in the end zone from there. The kick came at 10:05 of the third quarter.
North Alabama's scoring drive covered 69 yards in 11 plays and took 4:54 off the clock.
UNA was back in the end zone on its next possession as Lopez hit Hall with a pass over the middle and Hall broke tackles and went 42 yards for a touchdown. Carrera's PAT made it 24-0 at 4:41 of the third quarter.
The Tigers avoided being shutout with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. KeShawn Harper scored on a three-yard run and Christian Jacquenim added the extra-point to make it 24-7 with 10:53 left in the game. Prior to that drive, Jackson State had gained just 65 yards through the first three quarters.
North Alabama has an open date on Sept. 27 before hosting Shorter at Braly Stadium on Nov. 3 at 6:00 p.m.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
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