image via Andrew McCray
HOUSTON, Texas — Texas Southern delivered a dramatic finish on Saturday, defeating Southern University 24-21 on Miguel Arana’s 46-yard field goal as time expired.
After surrendering the opening touchdown, the Tigers built a 21-7 lead behind three rushing touchdowns before Southern rallied to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Texas Southern then put together a decisive final drive, covering 36 yards in 10 plays to set up Arana’s game-winning kick.
The victory gave Texas Southern a thrilling finish in the rivalry matchup, while Southern was left on the wrong end of a last-second heartbreak.
Texas Southern Builds a 14-Point Lead
Southern struck first in the opening quarter when Christian Johnson connected with Damien Henderson on a four-yard touchdown pass with 8:17 remaining. Chris McKenna’s extra point gave the Jaguars a 7-0 advantage.
Texas Southern answered in the second quarter with a 10-play, 53-yard drive capped by Jacob Washington’s five-yard touchdown run. Arana’s extra point tied the game at 7-7.
The Tigers quickly seized control. After a 55-yard drive that required just two plays, Athean Renfro broke into the end zone on a 15-yard touchdown run. Texas Southern carried a 14-7 lead into halftime.
The Tigers extended their advantage in the third quarter. Cam’Ron McCoy broke loose for a 41-yard touchdown run, completing a three-play, 43-yard drive and putting Texas Southern ahead 21-7 with 10:55 remaining in the period.
Southern Fights Back to Tie the Game
Despite trailing by two touchdowns, Southern refused to go away.
Johnson connected with Wydell Clark Jr. for a 24-yard touchdown pass with 5:47 left in the third quarter. The score capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive and trimmed Texas Southern’s lead to 21-14.
The Jaguars continued their comeback in the fourth quarter. Trey Holly punched in a two-yard touchdown run with 4:24 remaining, finishing a five-play, 45-yard drive. McKenna’s extra point tied the contest at 21-21.
With momentum shifting toward Southern, Texas Southern needed one final response.
Miguel Arana Delivers the Game-Winner
Texas Southern took possession and marched 36 yards over 10 plays, managing the clock and positioning the Tigers for a potential winning kick.
Arana connected from 46 yards as time expired, sending Texas Southern to a 24-21 victory and delivering one of the game’s most memorable moments.
The kick capped a comeback-resistant performance from the Tigers, who overcame Southern’s late rally to secure the win on the final play.
Texas Southern vs. Southern: Team Statistics
| Statistic | Texas Southern | Southern |
| Final score | 24 | 21 |
| Total yards | 260 | 317 |
| Rushing yards | 218 | 193 |
| Passing yards | 42 | 124 |
| First downs | 14 | 22 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 3 | 1 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers lost | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties | 8-102 | 1-15 |
| Third-down conversions | 3-of-11 | 6-of-14 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 3-of-3 | 2-of-3 |
| Time of possession | 26:15 | 31:36 |
Texas Southern leaned heavily on its ground game, finishing with 218 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 43 attempts. The Tigers averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
McCoy’s 41-yard scoring run highlighted the team’s rushing attack, while Washington and Renfro also found the end zone on the ground.
Southern generated more total offense, finishing with 317 yards, including 124 passing yards and 193 rushing yards. Johnson threw two touchdown passes without an interception, helping the Jaguars erase the 14-point deficit.
However, Southern’s lone lost fumble and Texas Southern’s ability to finish the final drive proved costly for the Jaguars.
Penalties Nearly Cost Texas Southern
Although the Tigers came away with the victory, discipline was a concern. Texas Southern committed eight penalties for 102 yards, compared with just one penalty for 15 yards by Southern.
The Jaguars also held advantages in first downs, total offense and time of possession. Southern finished with 22 first downs and controlled the ball for 31:36, compared with Texas Southern’s 14 first downs and 26:15 of possession.
Still, the Tigers made the play that mattered most. Arana’s final kick turned a tied game into a Texas Southern victory.
Final Takeaway
Texas Southern found a way to win a game that appeared headed for overtime after Southern rallied from a 21-7 deficit. Three rushing touchdowns gave the Tigers their early cushion, and Arana’s 46-yard field goal provided the unforgettable finish.
For Southern, the comeback showcased its resilience but ultimately fell short on the final play.
Final score: Texas Southern 24, Southern 21.
