JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Caleb Nix returned a punt 75 yards for the go-ahead score, Tristan Lyles had a game-saving interception in the red zone, and Jacksonville State erased a 14-point halftime deficit en route to a 31-27 victory over Georgia Southern on Saturday night.
Weston Bryan's three rushing touchdowns in the second quarter gave Georgia Southern a 24-10 halftime lead but Jacksonville State rallied with 21 points in the second half. Caden Creel hit Deondre Johnson with an 18-yard touchdown pass and Lucas Farrington ran 26 yards for a score prior to Nix's electric punt return.
Trailing 31-27, the Eagles drove 62 yards in 12 plays but Lyles put an end to the threat when he picked off a Max Johnson pass at the 15-yard line with 1:52 showing on the clock.
Creel threw for 194 yards with two touchdowns on 17-of-24 passing for the Gamecocks (2-2).
Johnson was 23-for-33 passing for 187 yards and David Mbadinga had 103 yards rushing for the Eagles (1-2).
It was Jacksonville State's first win against Georgia Southern, which had won the first five games in the series.
Up next
Georgia Southern: vs. No. 22 Houston next Saturday.
Jacksonville State: vs. Middle Tennessee next Saturday. —-
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