Thomas had 190 yards, Jacksonville St tops Chattanooga 27-13 (Aug 26, 2017)

By AP
Published

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) Roc Thomas gained 190 total yards and had a 76-yard touchdown run to help Jacksonville State beat Chattanooga 27-13 in a season opener for both teams on Saturday.

Thomas had 19 carries for 122 yards and caught three passes for 68 yards. He broke a tackle up the middle on his touchdown run and raced down the sideline for a 10-3 lead in the first quarter.

Safety Jonathan Hagler intercepted Nick Tiano's overthrown pass and returned it 52 yards for a 20-6 lead. In the fourth, Shaq Davidson's defender slipped on a double-move route then used a stiff-arm at the goal line to score from 59-yards out.

Bryant Horn made his first collegiate start for Jacksonville State, throwing for 182 yards and one touchdown. He replaced Eli Jenkins, who was 25-0 as a starter against Ohio Valley Conference opponents in three seasons at JSU.

Tiano led a late 89-yard drive for Chattanooga's first touchdown with 1:30 remaining.