Game Box Score
PINE BLUFF, Ark.- The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions improved their record to (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) with a dramatic come from behind victory over the Jackson State Tigers in Jackson, Miss. UAPB’s victory was sparked by junior quarterback Joshua Boudreaux who led the Golden Lions on a game tying drive and a game winning score in overtime.
The first half of play was a defensive affair as both teams held each other to minimal success offensively. After a JSU touchdown Carlos Reyes brought the score to 7-3 on a 26-yard field goal which ended up being the score going into halftime.
After struggling on offensive during the first three quarters of the game and trailing Jackson State by the score of 13-6, Arkansas-Pine Bluff opted to put Boudreaux into the game at the 9:58 mark of the fourth quarter.
The 6-5, 230 pound quarterback rushed the ball three times for a total of 38 yards including a 35 yard scamper that set up UAPB for a game tying touchdown. Boudreaux connected with wide receiver Thomas Winters on a perfectly thrown pass that brought the contest to a 13-13 all tie after a successful place kicker Carlos Reyes extra point.
With the game knotted the Tigers were afforded one final possession in regulation. JSU began the drive with 1:40 on the game clock. The Golden Lions defense subsequently held Jackson State out of the end zone. With time running out the Tigers lined up to attempt a 57-yards field goal attempt. UAPB’s Kevin Thornton blocked the kick sending the game into overtime.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff was awarded the opening OT possession. A personal foul penalty at the end of regulation allowed UAPB to begin the drive at the Jackson State 12 yard line. On third down and 18 Boudreaux racked up his second TD pass of the day when he found Raymond Webber in the back of the end zone for a score. The touchdown gave UAPB’s its first lead of the contest at 20-13 after Reyes converted the PAT.
As they have done throughout the majority of the season the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions defense was once again able to keep their opponent out of the end zone. On fourth and two and needing a TD to force the game into another overtime Rutland took a shot into the end zone but the pass was broken up by James Harrell. Harrell who was very active during the game also accounted for an interception at the 3:56 mark of the second quarter.
Kevin Thornton once again proved to be the Golden Lions game changer defensively as he tallied two interceptions against the Tigers which now give him the outright lead in the NCAA in picks with a total of six.
Reyes also played a critical role in the Golden Lions victory as he was successful on field goal attempts of 26 and 42 yards. Reyes is now 8-for-11 on the season as he currently ranks first in the SWAC.
Much of the Golden Lions success can be attributed to the spark Boudreaux provided when he entered the game in the fourth quarter. His two touchdown passes mark a season high for TD tosses for a Golden Lions’ quarterback.
The Arkansas-Pine Bluff defense contributed another outstanding performance as they limited the Tigers big play opportunities and continued to apply a consistent dose of pressure to JSU signal caller Trea Rutland.
UAPB will now have a bye week before hosting the Edward Waters Tigers for Homecoming on October 24th at 2:30 p.m.