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 | 6-1 | 9-2 |
| Tennessee Tech | 5-2 | 6-5 |
| UT Martin | 5-2 | 7-4 |
| Tennessee State | 5-2 | 8-3 |
| Lindenwood | 4-3 | 5-6 |
| Gardner-Webb | 3-4 | 4-7 |
| Eastern Illinois | 2-5 | 3-8 |
| Western Illinois | 2-5 | 3-8 |
| Charleston Southern | 0-8 | 1-10 |
2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson State | 7-0 | 9-2 |
| Alabama State | 4-3 | 5-5 |
| Alabama A&M | 3-3 | 5-5 |
| Florida A&M | 3-3 | 5-5 |
| Bethune-Cookman | 2-5 | 2-9 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 1-6 | 1-10 |
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Southern | 6-1 | 7-4 |
| Alcorn State | 5-2 | 6-5 |
| Texas Southern | 3-4 | 4-6 |
| Prairie View A&M | 3-4 | 5-6 |
| Grambling | 2-5 | 5-6 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 2-5 | 3-8 |
NCAAF News