Alcorn State outlasts Arkansas-Pine Bluff in double overtime, 53-51, in record-setting Southern Heritage Classic
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Alcorn State University rallied from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 53-51 in double overtime Saturday night at the 37th Southern Heritage Classic at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
The game featured a combined 104 points, the most in event history, and was only the fourth overtime game in the classic’s history, the first since 2006. The victory improved Alcorn’s record to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Arkansas-Pine Bluff fell to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the SWAC.
Alcorn produced 702 yards of total offense, including 488 passing yards and 214 rushing yards. The Braves also recorded 34 first downs. Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert had a career night, completing 32 of 45 passes for a career-high 488 yards and five touchdowns. His 488 yards marked the first time an Alcorn quarterback threw for 400 or more yards since 2017.
Tolbert spread his five touchdown passes among four receivers, with Tyree Kelly leading the team with six catches for 151 yards and two scores. Kelly’s 68-yard fourth-quarter touchdown was a highlight. Running back Ernest Temple added 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries, along with five receptions for 56 yards, totaling 200 all-purpose yards. His second rushing touchdown in overtime proved to be the game-winner.
The game saw Alcorn jump out to an early lead behind Tolbert’s arm. The Braves drove 86 yards on their first possession, ending with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kelly. UAPB responded with a field goal, but Tolbert connected with Nolan Chambers for a 23-yard touchdown, giving Alcorn a 12-3 lead early in the first quarter.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff took its first lead in the third quarter, with Garrison Davis throwing a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Jackson. The Golden Lions extended their lead early in the fourth after Michael Henderson’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, Alcorn responded with a 75-yard drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run from Temple, to make it 31-24.
UAPB’s Za’Marion Webber broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 38-24. The Braves stormed back, with Tolbert connecting with Kelly for a 68-yard score, then later tying the game at 38-38 with 3:50 remaining after a nine-yard touchdown pass to Damien Jones.
After a missed field goal by UAPB, Alcorn drove to the Golden Lions’ 3-yard line, but a 21-yard field-goal attempt was blocked as time expired, sending the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, UAPB scored first on a seven-yard touchdown pass. Alcorn responded with a three-yard touchdown catch from Tolbert to Armon Wright, and Carson Wilt’s extra point tied the game at 45. In the second overtime, Temple scored his second rushing touchdown, and Robertson found Caleb Anderson for the two-point conversion, pushing Alcorn ahead 53-45. UAPB answered with an 18-yard touchdown run by Jaylen Jennings but failed on the two-point conversion, sealing the Braves’ win.
Kelly led Alcorn’s receiving corps with six receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard score. Wright caught six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown, Jones finished with four catches for 59 yards and a score, and Chambers added a 23-yard reception. Temple contributed five catches for 56 yards in addition to his 144 rushing yards.
Defensively, Timothy Jasper led the Braves with 13 tackles and an interception. Elijah Ruffin, Jordan Daniel, Kyshawn Kimble, and Jayden Davis each recorded five tackles. Alcorn finished with three sacks and forced two turnovers. The attendance was 21,881 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Source: Original Article
