Smith's punt return for TD helps Tennessee St top Jackson St
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Patrick Smith had a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown and Laquarius Cook broke up a potential tying 2-point conversion in the closing minutes to help Tennessee State hold off Jackson State on Saturday night for a 17-15 win at the Liberty Bowl in the 2017 Southern Heritage Classic.
Quarterback Treon Harris had 11 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown for Tennessee State (2-0), which has won six in a row against Jackson State.
Smith's punt return made it 17-9 but Terrell Kennedy took the ensuing kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown with 4:48 to play before Cook's pass breakup stopped the 2-point conversion try and preserved Tennessee State's two-point lead. Christian Jaquemin's 47-yard field-goal attempt as time expired missed wide right.
Harris had three carries for 63 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown just more than a minute in, on the opening drive and Tennessee State led the rest of the way.
Cook intercepted a pass in the end zone in the third quarter.
Brent Lyles was 24-of-45 passing for 196 yards and added 55 yards rushing for Jackson State, which has lost six in a row dating to last season.
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Game Information
2024 Big South-OVC Association Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Southeast Missouri State | 5-1 | 8-2 |
UT Martin | 5-1 | 7-3 |
Tennessee Tech | 4-2 | 5-5 |
Tennessee State | 4-2 | 7-3 |
Lindenwood | 4-3 | 5-6 |
Gardner-Webb | 3-3 | 4-6 |
Western Illinois | 2-4 | 3-7 |
Eastern Illinois | 1-5 | 2-8 |
Charleston Southern | 0-7 | 1-9 |
2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference Standings
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Jackson State | 6-0 | 8-2 |
Alabama State | 4-2 | 5-4 |
Florida A&M | 3-2 | 5-4 |
Alabama A&M | 2-3 | 4-5 |
Bethune-Cookman | 2-4 | 2-8 |
Mississippi Valley State | 0-6 | 0-10 |
Team | CONF | OVR |
---|---|---|
Southern | 5-1 | 6-4 |
Alcorn State | 4-2 | 5-5 |
Prairie View A&M | 3-3 | 5-5 |
Texas Southern | 2-4 | 3-6 |
Grambling | 2-4 | 5-5 |
Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 2-4 | 3-7 |