Southern Turns Defensive Spark Into 34-15 Win Over Kentucky State

BATON ROUGE, La. — Southern University did not need a fast start to find its footing Saturday night. The Jaguars needed one play to change the game, then relied on their defense and a balanced offense to finish the job.

Tayton James returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown, Christian Johnson threw for 200 yards and two scores, and Trey Holly rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns as Southern defeated Kentucky State 34-15 at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The victory moved Southern to 1-1 and gave the Jaguars their first win of the season after a 30-17 loss to Alabama State in the Birmingham Football Classic. It also marked Southern’s second consecutive victory over Kentucky State, which opened the season with a win over Central State.

The Jaguars’ next test will come Saturday, Sept. 12, when they travel to Houston to face the University of Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

One defensive play changed the night

Southern and Kentucky State remained scoreless through the first quarter. Then, early in the second, James intercepted Kentucky State and raced 85 yards for the game’s opening touchdown.

The Thorobreds answered with a safety, but Southern’s defense had already established the tone. Kentucky State would finish with just 15 points, and Southern held the Thorobreds scoreless in the fourth quarter.

Johnson then directed a six-play, 65-yard drive in the final 35 seconds of the first half. With seven seconds remaining, he connected with Isaiah Pina for a 4-yard touchdown, sending Southern into halftime with a 13-2 lead.

The Jaguars carried that momentum into the third quarter.

Holly capped an eight-play, 70-yard drive with a 16-yard touchdown run. Johnson followed with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Champ Davis, completing a six-play, 77-yard drive and pushing Southern’s lead to 27-2 with 5:09 left in the quarter.

Kentucky State answered with two touchdown passes, but Southern’s defense shut the door in the final period. Holly’s 12-yard touchdown run with 1:08 remaining completed a seven-play, 55-yard drive and provided the final margin.

Defense supplied the difference

Southern finished with five sacks, 10 tackles for loss and five pass breakups. The Jaguars held Kentucky State to 5-of-17 on third down and 0-for-4 on fourth down.

Ckelby Givens led the pressure with two sacks and three tackles for loss. James added six tackles, a sack and the 85-yard interception return.

The defensive performance was especially important because the game was not decided by a major yardage advantage. Southern finished with 372 yards of total offense, while Kentucky State had 378. The Jaguars’ ability to turn their only takeaway into seven points proved decisive.

Johnson, Holly provide balance

Johnson completed 15 of 28 passes for 200 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Southern also kept him upright, allowing no sacks.

Holly carried the ball 21 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Franklin added 41 yards on six carries, helping Southern finish with 172 rushing yards.

The Jaguars were efficient when they reached the red zone, scoring on all three trips. Kentucky State went 1-for-2 and failed on all four fourth-down attempts.

The win came before an announced crowd of 15,094 on a rainy night with temperatures reaching 85 degrees.

For Southern, the result was more than a home-opening victory. It was a reminder that the Jaguars can win a game by creating pressure, protecting the football and making the decisive play when the offense needs help.

Southern 34, Kentucky State 15

Southern: 0-13-14-7 — 34
Kentucky State: 0-2-13-0 — 15

Southern leaders: Christian Johnson, 15-of-28 passing, 200 yards, 2 TDs; Trey Holly, 21 carries, 99 yards, 2 TDs; Tayton James, 85-yard interception return.

Next game: Southern at Houston, Sept. 12, 6 p.m., ESPN+.