Jackson State football vs ULM score prediction, scouting report in Tigers' 2024 opener

Jackson State football opens its 2024 season facing Louisiana Monroe, its second meeting with the Warhawks since 2021 when it lost 12-7.

JSU coach T.C. Taylor is looking for the Tigers ' first FBS win in program history. JSU has won every season opener since 2020.

The Tigers ended 2023 with a 7-4 record and enter Thursday's game with returning quarterback Jacobian Morgan and a defensive group with the most interceptions in the nation at the end of the regular season.

Here's what to know about Jackson State's season opener against ULM at Malone Stadium on Thursday. Due to lightning in the area, kickoff has been moved from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The game will still be streamed on ESPN+.

Jackson State football offense returns many options

Morgan is one of the Tigers' standout returning offensive players, along with receivers Fabian McCray, Rico Powers and Kobe Paul.

Seven running backs return for JSU, highlighted by Irv Mulligan . However, J.D. Martin and freshman Travis Terrell Jr. made the Week 1 depth chart, with Martin recording 31 rushes for 204 yards in four games last season and Terrell earning praise from Taylor all offseason.

Will Jackson State's defensive shine vs ULM?

New defensive coordinator Torenzo Quinn wants his unit to prove it belongs on the field with an FBS opponent.

"Just go back to the fundamentals and us being in the right spots," Quinn said. "Us looking like we belong on the stage with the FBS opponent. ... The physicality we play with, the effort, things of that nature."

Cornerback Robert McDaniel leads the defense. JSU will need to contain a ULM offense with transfers and a strong running game.

MORE JSU FOOTBALL: Jacobian Morgan to start at quarterback for Jackson State football in season opener

How will ULM fare under new coach Bryant Vincent?

ULM is under a new coaching staff. The Warhawks had 73 new additions to their roster, including transfer quarterback General Booty, who spent the last two seasons at Oklahoma.

Vincent was hired in December and is taking over a 2-10 program, replacing Terry Bowden.

Vincent will utilize a running game led by Hunter Smith and Bennett Galloway after Vincent came from New Mexico as the offensive coordinator.

Jackson State vs ULM score prediction

ULM 24, Jackson State 17: If JSU wants its first FBS win, Morgan must limit turnovers, and the Tigers' defense must be strong.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez .

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State football vs ULM score prediction, scouting report in Tigers' 2024 opener