LORMAN, Miss. (Interstat) — Jackson State built a commanding early lead and then held off a late charge from rival Alcorn State to secure a 27-21 victory on Saturday at Spinks-Casem Stadium.

The Tigers improved to 9-2 on the season, while the Braves fell to 5-7.

Jackson State quarterback Jaylon Tolbert, a Hollywood, Florida native, orchestrated the win, completing 21 of 33 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns while adding 32 yards on nine carries. His primary target was Tyran Warren, who hauled in seven receptions for 111 yards and both of Tolbert’s scoring passes.

The Tigers’ ground game was powered by Reggie Davis, who rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts.

Jackson State dominated the first quarter, racing out to a 17-0 lead. The Tigers capitalized on a long opening drive and a defensive stand, while their offense moved the ball effectively against the Braves’ defense.

Alcorn State found its footing in the second quarter, closing the gap to 17-7. The Braves’ first score came on a 1-yard touchdown run by Travis Terrell Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia.

Just before halftime, Jackson State extended its lead when Tolbert connected with Warren on a 64-yard touchdown pass, making the score 24-7.

The Braves chipped away at the deficit in the third quarter. Quarterback Jared Lockhart of Charlotte, North Carolina, found Nate Rembert of Kissimmee, Florida, for a 55-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 24-14. Lockhart was efficient, completing 15 of 17 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown.

Alcorn State’s running back, Ahmad Miller of Memphis, Tennessee, provided a significant spark, rushing for 106 yards on 15 carries, including a 57-yard run on the game’s opening play from scrimmage.

Jackson State added a crucial field goal early in the fourth quarter to push its lead to 27-14.

The Braves mounted a final comeback attempt late in the game. Tolbert engineered a drive that culminated in his second touchdown pass to Warren, a 17-yard connection that cut the Jackson State lead to 27-21 with just over two minutes remaining.

Alcorn State’s ensuing onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, and the Tigers were able to run out the clock to seal the victory.

The win gives Jackson State momentum heading into the final stretch of the season, while Alcorn State concludes its 2025 campaign.