LORMAN — Down just three at the half, Alcorn State was in position for a huge upset of Jackson State.

Unfortunately, a series of costly third-quarter mistakes spoiled the Braves’ effort and disappointed the largest home crowd — 25,00 fans — at Jack Spinks/Mario Casem Stadium in 20 years.

Jackson State got a punt block for a touchdown, two third-quarter TD runs from Tommy Gooden and a 46-yard TD run from Rakeem Sims to beat Alcorn State 37-11. The Tigers finished with 243 rushing yards, led by Sims’ 152 yards on 26 carries.

The win gives Jackson State (7-4, 7-2) the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division title and a spot at next month’s SWAC title game against Arkansas Pine-Bluff in Birmingham. The loss for Alcorn ends Jay Hopson’s first season at 4-7.

Hopson felt an opportunity to beat the Braves’ biggest rival slipped away in the decisive third quarter.

---