Jackson State Rolls Southern 38–13, Launches SWAC Charge

JSU Football

Baton Rouge, La. — Rivalry games reveal who you are. In the Boombox Classic, Jackson State put its identity on display—physical on offense, suffocating on defense, and merciless in the middle eight minutes around halftime—routing Southern 38–13 on the road.

How the game turned
Down 13–7 in the second quarter, JSU didn’t blink. The Tigers ripped off 31 unanswered points, flipping momentum with a methodical TD drive, a special-teams jolt in field position, and a defensive three-and-out that set the tone. That “middle eight” avalanche (final four minutes of the first half, first four of the second) is how good teams become great.

Offense: strain, sustain, finish
The line caved in the edges on wide zone, then punished the interior with duo/inside power. Play-action created clean windows, and the QB was decisive. JSU finished drives—touchdowns, not field goals—stretching Southern’s safeties and forcing light boxes the rest of the night.

Defense: leverage and layers
JSU’s defensive front compressed running lanes and made Southern throw into tight windows. The Tigers disguised coverages post-snap, produced hurried reads, and tackled with bad intentions. Explosives were kept in check; communication stayed airtight.

Why it matters
This is the SWAC blueprint: win the trenches, own situational football, and trust depth. At 3–1 (1–0 SWAC), JSU sits atop HBCU power rankings for good reason—and not just vibes. It’s the film: clean operation, a top-tier response to adversity, and a defense built for November.

What’s next
Conference play stacks challenges: Alabama State, Florida A&M, and a trap or two on the road. If JSU keeps its turnover margin positive and maintains early-down success, the Tigers control their path to Atlanta.

Collab Writer: Karma B.

Sources: WBRZ+2NCAA.com+2