Oliver leads Jackson St. to SWAC title

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Jimmy Oliver threw three touchdown passes and repeatedly scrambled out of trouble to lead Jackson State to a 42-31 comeback victory over Grambling State Saturday in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.

Oliver’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Jones as he was being tackled gave Jackson State (8-4) the lead for good early in the fourth quarter.

It was the fourth lead change in the game at Legion Field.

The victory gave Jackson State its 16th SWAC football championship, but its first since 1996.

Oliver completed 16 of 30 passes for 249 yards, while Lavarus Giles rushed 23 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns, including one from 54 yards out.

It was the third consecutive loss for Grambling, which had defeated Jackson State 30-20 during the regular season.