HOUSTON (AP) _ The Southern Jaguars' (6-3, 4-1) offense did not generate a score against Texas Southern (3-7, 2-5), but a blocked punt return resulted in a 7-6 victory.
The first score of the game turned out to be the deciding factor as Southern's Jason Griffin recovered a blocked TSU punt for a TD in the first quarter (8:25). Texas Southern's Vince Patrick booted a 27 yd FG near the end of the half (1:24) for a 7-3 halftime score. In the second half, Patrick kicked a 24 yd FG in the fourth quarter (6:33) for the only scoring in the game.
Along the way, TSU gained 14 first downs to Southern's 11 first downs, but Southern outgained the Tigers in Total Offense 215 yds to 183 yds. Southern lost 4 of 5 fumbles and Texas Southern lost one of two fumbles along with the blocked punt.
The top offensive performances of the game came from Southern QB Anthony Fisher who threw for 149 yds (33-16-1) and Texas Southern's receivers Cortez Hankton (5 for 56) and Yves Eveillard (5-54).
Top defensive performances came from TSU's Murrell Stewart who had 12 tackles (3 solo), with 2 TFL (4) and 1 fumble recovery (10). On the SU side of the ball, Robert Chapman with 11 tackles (9 solo), 7 TFL (33) and 1 sack (10) and Shannon Smith with 11 tackles (6 solo) with 1 pass breakup.
Texas Southern has cancelled their scheduled game with Southwest Assemblies of God and their season is competed.
