JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The Jackson State Tigers start their back-to-back championship journey on a high note, defeating the Hampton Pirates 28-14 in their season opener.

Hampton struck first blood in this game on their first drive after a big 63-yard run by Quarterback Isaiah Freeman to bring the Pirates all the way down to the one-yard line.

Ja’Quan Snipes would finish that drive on the next play with a touchdown run to get the Pirates on the board first.

The Tigers found momentum offensively after recovering a muffed punt on their first drive. Running back Emari Matthews would take advantage of the turnover with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to tie this one in the first quarter.

Jackson State’s offense would find another score in the second quarter when running back Donerio Davenport takes the direct snap and glides into the endzone to take the lead.

Hampton put the pressure on Jackson State in the 4th quarter when Freeman finds Marshawn Ferguson Jr. for a 30-yard touchdown to tie it at 14 a piece.

The Tigers’ offense took control of the game after that though. On Jackson State’s next possession, Ahmad Miller caps off a 13-play, 80-yard drive to give them a 21-14 lead.

Khamauri Rogers then makes the play of the day for the Tigers on defense when he intercepts Freeman to give the ball back to the offense.

On the very next play, Miller finishes this game off with a 76-yard rushing touchdown to cap off the win and an amazing day for the running back.

Miller finished the day with 10 carries for 172 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.

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