Nix's punt return TD, clutch interception by Lyles lift Jacksonville State over Georgia Southern

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.