JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson State opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with another statement in one of the SWAC’s biggest rivalries.
The Tigers defeated Southern 35-17 Saturday night at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, improving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in SWAC play while extending their winning streak against the Jaguars to eight consecutive games. Southern dropped to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Jackson State controlled the game early, building a 28-9 halftime advantage before Southern made a late push in the third quarter. The Tigers’ defense then shut the Jaguars out in the fourth quarter before Jackson State added one final touchdown to put the game away.
Nate Blount IV Sets the Tone
Jackson State running back Nate Blount IV was the centerpiece of the Tigers’ rushing attack.
Blount finished with 135 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per rush. His longest run covered 48 yards and helped set up his second touchdown of the night.
Blount opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter before adding an 8-yard touchdown in the second.
Jared Lockhart Delivers
Quarterback Jared Lockhart completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also added a rushing touchdown.
Lockhart’s biggest passing play came early in the first quarter when he connected with Nate Rembert for a 70-yard touchdown, immediately answering Southern’s field goal.
Rembert finished with five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
The Touchdown Nobody Saw Coming
Jackson State’s final touchdown came with 2:45 remaining — and it was anything but ordinary.
A Lockhart pass was tipped near the goal line before being caught by offensive lineman Alex Valbuena, who turned the unexpected reception into a 4-yard touchdown.
It was the first touchdown of Valbuena’s career and pushed Jackson State’s lead to 35-17.
Tigers Defense Closes the Door
Southern managed 317 total yards, including 164 rushing and 153 passing.
But Jackson State’s defense came up with three sacks for 16 yards and held Southern scoreless during the fourth quarter. Keith Bass Jr. led the Tigers with seven tackles, while Khamauri Rogers and Reid Pulliam each recorded five.
Jackson State finished with 355 total yards, including 190 rushing and 165 passing. The Tigers averaged 7.0 yards per play compared with Southern’s 4.7.
Score by Quarter
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| Southern | 3 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 17 |
| Jackson State | 14 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 35 |
How Jackson State Scored
1st Quarter
- Nate Blount IV — 1-yard TD run
- Southern — 27-yard field goal
- Nate Rembert — 70-yard TD reception from Jared Lockhart
2nd Quarter
- Nate Blount IV — 8-yard TD run
- Trey Holly — 6-yard TD run
- Jared Lockhart — 1-yard TD run
3rd Quarter
- Mike Franklin — 1-yard TD run for Southern, followed by a successful 2-point conversion
4th Quarter
- Alex Valbuena — 4-yard TD reception from Jared Lockhart
EDXGF WHAT WE KNOW
Final: Jackson State 35, Southern 17
Jackson State: 4-0, 1-0 SWAC
Southern: 2-3, 0-1 SWAC
Series streak: Jackson State has won eight straight over Southern
Jackson State total offense: 355 yards
Southern total offense: 317 yards
Jackson State rushing leader: Nate Blount IV — 135 yards, 2 TD
Jackson State passing leader: Jared Lockhart — 165 yards, 2 TD
Jackson State receiving leader: Nate Rembert — 87 yards, 1 TD
Jackson State tackles leader: Keith Bass Jr. — 7
Defensive difference: Jackson State recorded three sacks and shut Southern out in the fourth quarter.
UP NEXT
Jackson State travels to Mobile, Alabama, next weekend for the Gulf Coast Challenge against Alabama A&M on Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.
Southern will look to bounce back from its SWAC-opening loss when it returns home for its upcoming schedule.
Sneaker Shop Talk Takeaway: Jackson State didn’t need a huge offensive yardage advantage to control this rivalry. The Tigers created explosive plays, finished efficiently in the red zone and got a strong performance from Blount while the defense closed the game out when Southern tried to rally.
