The first step in Deion Sanders’ mission to dominate the 2022 season is complete after Jackson State overcame let another slow start and second-half injury to starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders to grind out a 27-13 win over Alabama A&M and clinch the SWAC East championship Saturday night at the Gulf Coast Classic.
The sophomore quarterback took a hard hit in the third quarter following a scramble and remained on the field for several minutes before walking to the sideline under his own power after being examined.
Sanders went 12-for-20 passing for 164 yards and three touchdowns prior to the injury, which is undisclosed. Backup QB backup J.P. Andrade replaced Sanders the rest of the way. The Ohio State transfer finished 3-for-8 passing for 19 yards over the final quarter.
Jackson State True Freshman Travis Hunter Jr. Scores His 1st College Touchdown! 🔥
📺: ESPN+
📽️: @GoJSUTigersFB @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/VTCG72atcH— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) November 12, 2022
True freshman Travis Hunter scored his first collegiate TD in the first quarter on a 20-yard catch and run to open the scoring for JSU. The five-star recruit — playing defensive back — then later intercepted a Quincy Casey pass, also his first as a college player.
Jackson State is 10-0 for the first time in program history. They are seeking to become the first SWAC school to go unbeaten in conference play in consecutive seasons since Grambling State accomplished the feat in 2016 and 2017.
Jackson State will host the SWAC Championship Game at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson on Dec. 3.
