JACKSON, Miss. – The Wildcats were able to hang around against Jackson State, but couldn't come up with enough big plays as they were defeated 28-13 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The loss drops B-CU to 0-6 away from Daytona Beach this season.

Jackson State (8-2, 6-1) opened fast against Bethune-Cookman (5-6, 4-3), scoring on its second play from scrimmage when QB Jared Lockhart hit Jameel Gardner Jr. for an 82-yard touchdown.

The Wildcats answered immediately as Javon Ross returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards to tie it—his second kick-return score of the season.

After the early fireworks, the game slowed. Both teams traded three-and-outs before JSU again drove into B-CU territory, but the Wildcats forced another punt. B-CU managed one first down on its next drive before punting back.

Jackson State leaned on its run game on the following possession but missed a 36-yard field goal. The Tigers then forced another quick punt and needed only four rushing plays to score again, with Travis Terrell Jr. punching it in from 25 yards for a 14-7 lead with 8:13 left in the half.

JSU's defense continued to pressure B-CU, and another three-and-out set up a Tigers drive deep into Wildcats territory. This time, Matthew McKenzie intercepted a pass to stop the scoring chance. With :20 seconds left, Cam'Ron Ransom hit Josh Evans for 45 yards, setting up a 37-yard field goal to cut the deficit before halftime.

B-CU opened the third quarter with another field goal, pulling within one. Jackson State again drove deep into Wildcats territory, but Jaden Williams broke up a fourth-down pass to give B-CU the ball.

The momentum didn't last long, as JSU forced a sack-fumble on Ransom. Six straight runs later, the Tigers extended their lead to 21-13 on a 6-yard score by Donerio Davenport.

Ransom pushed the Wildcats back inside JSU territory, but a costly block-in-the-back penalty led to a fourth-and-long. B-CU went for it, and Kam Sallis intercepted the pass.

After a series of punts, B-CU had one final chance with 1:46 left, advancing into the red zone. But on 3rd-and-5, B.J. Washington intercepted Ransom and returned it for a touchdown, sealing Jackson State's 28-13 victory.

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• Javon Ross had six catches for 58 yards along with the kickoff return touchdown.
• Matthew McKenzie grabbed his second interception of the season.
• JSU dominated offensively, outgaining the Wildcats 520-290
• The Tigers averaged 6.9 yards per carry.
• B-CU had five tackles for loss and two pass breakups.

Bethune-Cookman will look to turn the page as they gear up for the Florida Blue Florida Classic next Saturday against Florida A&M. The game will kickoff at 3:30 from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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