In a rain-soaked season opener at Malone Stadium in Monroe, Louisiana, Jackson State football fell short against ULM, losing 30-14. Despite a valiant effort, Jackson State couldn’t overcome ULM’s relentless ground attack and crucial second-half plays.
The game started slowly for Jackson State, which found itself trailing 7-0 after ULM’s Davon Wells connected with General Booty for an 11-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Jackson State responded in the second quarter when Jacobian Morgan fired a 41-yard touchdown pass to Joanes Fortilien, tying the game at 7-7. However, ULM regained the lead just before halftime with a 1-yard run by Ahmad Hardy.
In the third quarter, Jackson State football showed promise when Morgan capped a 75-yard drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, leveling the score at 14-14. But ULM quickly struck back with a 22-yard touchdown run by James Jones, reclaiming the lead.
The fourth quarter proved decisive as Jackson State struggled to find rhythm. ULM extended its lead with a 39-yard field goal by Max Larson and sealed the victory with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Aiden Armenta to Javon Cambell.
Jackson State’s defense battled hard, with Reid Pulliam and Esaias Guthrie making significant contributions, but ULM’s balanced offense, highlighted by 204 rushing yards, proved too much to overcome.
Jackson State football will look to bounce back in its next outing when it hosts Division II HBCU Lane College at home.