MONROE, La. — It was an area that Jackson State football defensive coordinator Torenzo Quinn emphasized ahead of the season opener: stopping the run.
But it was Louisiana Monroe that heeded that command.
ULM (1-0) beat Jackson State 30-14 on Thursday night at Malone Stadium. JSU kept it close at first, trailing just 14-7 at halftime. But after a seven-play, 75-yard drive out of halftime to even the score at 14-14, the Tigers ' offense slowed.
Here's a look at how JSU dropped its first season opener in three years.
JSU quarterback Jacobian Morgan impresses in Game 1
Jacobian Morgan was 23 of 28 for 228 passing yards and a touchdown, and he added a rushing touchdown. He was 8-of-9 passing in the first half, including the 41-yard touchdown to Joanes Fortilien. Morgan looked comfortable and aware.
"I thought he had a pretty solid game," coach T.C. Taylor said. "He made some good throws. He hooked up late and early in the game."
JSU defense struggles to stop ULM ground game
Quinn was cautious of ULM’s backfield — not only because of the weapons the Warhawks had in Ahmad Hardy and James Jones, but because of their new coach in Bryant Vincent. Hardy had 103 of ULM's 202 total rushing yards.
“They committed to it,” Taylor said. “You know, they really didn't just throw the ball. You know, when you just run, handing it off, you know, you're going to accumulate yards. You know that they they did a good job.”
Offensive run game stalled
The combination of Ahmad Miller and Travis Terrell Jr. didn’t produce the running game JSU had hoped for. ULM was able to stop the Tigers, who finished with 23 rushes and 68 yards.
Freshman Travis Terrell Jr. utilized by coach T.C. Taylor
Terrell might not have had the stat highlights, Taylor spoke highly of his freshman running back in the offseason and utilized him in Game 1. Terrell finished with six receptions for 45 yards and six rushes for 12 yards.
"I'm very proud of him. Travis Terrell flashed," Taylor said. "You know, we knew we would. He's going to be a solid player."
Jackson State football vs ULM score updates
ULM 30, Jackson State 14, 4Q 2:27
Aidan Armenta to wide receiver Javon Campbell to ice Thursday night's game. A 28-yard touchdown post route to Campbell from Armenta puts ULM up 16 with under three minutes to play.
ULM 24, Jackson State 14, 4Q 11:07
Max Larson drills a 39-yard field goal after ULM took a delay of game penalty, pushing the attempt back five yards. Larson puts ULM up 10 points its largest lead of the game.
ULM 21, Jackson State 14, 3Q 7:32
ULM running back James Jones saw a gap and didn't miss it. Jones, following blockers, ran for a 22-yard touchdown to add to the Warhawks' second rushing touchdown of the game, adding to an 85-yard drive that was once at their own 2-yard line.
Jackson State 14, ULM 14, 3Q 11:41
Coming out of halftime, JSU ran a seven-play, 75-yard drive comprised of long rushes and receivers gaining yards after catches. Finishing the drive was Morgan using his legs to run in for a 3-yard touchdown after keeping the football off a fake handoff.
ULM 14, Jackson State 7, 2Q 00:47
After a nine-play 42-yard drive, ULM punched in the endzone from a rushing 1-yard score from running back Ahmad Hardy. JSU held ULM to a third and one at the goal line but a run up the gut from Hardy gave ULM the lead.
Jackson State 7, ULM 7, 2Q 10:51
Jacobian Morgan was given time in the pocket and didn't waste it. Morgan hit wide receiver Joanes Fortilien for a 41-yard touchdown pass after Fortilien ran under the ULM defender and made a one-handed grab to give JSU its first score of the 2024 season.
ULM 7, Jackson State 0, 1Q 2:35
ULM adds the first score of Thursday's game with quarterback General Booty hitting receiver Davon Wells on an out route for an 11-yard passing touchdown. Booty gets his first touchdown of his ULM career on the Warhawks' second drive of the game.
Jackson State vs ULM time today
- Date: Aug. 29
- Time: 8 p.m. (Game time was originally 6 p.m., but moved up due to lightning in area)
- Location: Malone Stadium in Monroe, Louisiana
What channel is Jackson State vs ULM game on today?
- TV channel: ESPN +
- Streaming: ESPN +
- Radio: Jackson's Inspiration Station — Hallelujah 95.5
Jackson State vs ULM history
- Series record: ULM leads, 1-0
- ULM's last win: Sept. 18, 2021, 12-7
- Jackson State's last win : N/A
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.
Jackson State vs ULM betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Thursday:
- Spread: Jackson State (+6)
- Over/under : 45.5
- Moneyline: Jackson State (+200), ULM (-250)
Jackson State football 2024 schedule
Aug. 29: at ULM
Sept. 7: vs. Lane
Sept. 14: vs. Southern
Sept. 21: at Grambling State
Sept. 28: at Texas Southern
Oct. 5: vs. Alabama A&M (in Mobile, Ala.)
Oct. 19: vs. Florida A&M
Oct. 26: at Bethune-Cookman
Nov. 2: vs. Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Nov. 9: vs. Mississippi Valley State
Nov. 16: at Alabama State
Nov. 23: at Alcorn State
ULM State football 2024 schedule
Aug. 29: vs. Jackson State
Sept. 7: vs. UAB
Sept. 21: at Texas
Sept. 28: at Troy
Oct. 5: vs. James Madison
Oct. 12: vs. Southern Miss
Oct. 26: at South Alabama
Nov. 2: at Marshall
Nov. 9: vs. Texas State
Nov. 16: at Auburn
Nov. 23: at Arkansas State
Nov. 30: vs. Louisiana Lafayette
Jackson State football news
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 struggles to stop run, drops season opener vs ULM
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