JACKSON – Four second-half turnovers led to a big half for Jackson State, as the Tigers (1-0) marched to a 32-17 victory over No. 19 Delta State (0-1) Saturday at Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Stadium in the 3rd annual W.C. Gorden Classic. The JSU victory evened the all-time series at 1-1.

“We played a solid opponent today and they executed a little better, but we made some plays and have some things to work on for next week,” stated DSU head coach Ron Roberts.

The Tigers, who amassed 501 yards of total offense, passed for 404 yards on 27-of-47 passing. Delta State totaled 460 yards on 66 plays, including 365 yards passing on 23-of-40 attempts.

Micah Davis and the Statesmen offense made the most of the opening drive of the 2010 season, driving 73 yards on seven plays in 2:38, as the junior from Wesson connected on a 30-yard touchdown pass with Trevar Deed. Matt Dean connected on the extra point to give the Statesmen the early 7-0 lead.

After going three and out on offense, Jackson State junior linebacker Tim Dandridge picked off an errant Davis pass and rumbled 30 yards for the game tying score with 4:31 left in the first.

The Tigers took a 10-7 lead on Jabril Smith's 21-yard field goal with 11:08 on the board in the second.

JSU junior quarterback Casey Therriault connected with Marcellus Wilder on 9-yard score to take a 16-7 lead with 3:48 left in the half. Smith's extra point attempt was blocked by DSU's L.J. Castile.

Delta State finally answered on Rafael Mitchell's 11-yard touchdown run at the 1:06 mark of the second quarter. DSU went 68 yards in 2:42.

Jackson State quickly answered, as Therriault and the “Air Raid” offense marched 65 yards in 48 seconds to take a 22-14 lead on Spencer Spane's 7-yard touchdown catch.

In the first, Therriault passed for 210 yards on 15-of-24 attempts with two touchdowns for the Tigers. JSU finished the half with 255 yards of total offense on 41 plays.

Davis completed 10-of-17 passes for 183 yards with a touchdown and an interception. DSU totaled 246 yards on 31 plays.

JSU continued to put the pressure on the Statesmen, driving 60-plus yards on the opening drive of the second half. After stalling out at the DSU 6-yard line, Smith connected on his second field goal of the game, giving JSU the 25-14 lead with 11:08 on the clock in the third quarter.

After forcing the Tigers to turn it over on downs, Delta State put three points on the board with 3:38 left in the third on Matt Dean's 38-yard field goal, cutting the lead to eight, 25-17.

In the fourth, Therriault once again picked up the Tigers, connecting with Renty Rollins on an 11-yard touchdown grab with 12:18 remaining in the game.

DSU had two chances late in the contest, but turnovers in the redzone killed any comeback opportunities.

David finished his first start for the Statesmen, completing 23-of-40 passes for 365 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. L.J. Castile grabbed seven passes for 114 yards, while Chance Dennis hauled in four passes for 89 yards.

JSU's Therriault completed 27-of-47 passes for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Marcellus Wilder led JSU with seven grabs, while Anthony Mayes hauled in four passes for 118 yards.

The Statesmen return to action on Thursday, Sept. 9, as Delta State plays host to the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech in the CBS College Sports NCAA Division II National Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  The game will be televised nationally on CBS' College Sports Network starting at 7 p.m.