Jackson State Dominates Tuskegee in W.C. Gorden Classic

On September 13, 2025, Jackson State University (JSU) faced off against Tuskegee University in the W.C. Gorden Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The game marked a significant moment for JSU, as they sought to rebound from a previous loss to Southern Miss. The Tigers (2-1) achieved a decisive 30-0 victory over the Golden Tigers (2-1), showcasing a strong performance on both offense and defense.

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True freshman quarterback Jared Lockhart stepped in for the absent starter JaCobian Morgan and led the Tigers with an impressive showing. Lockhart accounted for three total touchdowns, including JSU's first passing touchdown of the season, and rushed for two touchdowns. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 154 yards, while the JSU defense limited Tuskegee to just 109 total yards, marking the first shutout for JSU since 2022.

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The scoring began with Lockhart's 11-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 6-yard rush that extended the lead to 14-0. By halftime, JSU was ahead 21-0, with a safety adding to their score in the second half. The final touchdown came from a 21-yard pass from Lockhart to wide receiver Jameel Gardner Jr.

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This matchup was the first between Jackson State and Tuskegee in nearly a decade, with the last meeting occurring in 2017, where Tuskegee emerged victorious. Historically, Jackson State has dominated the W.C. Gorden Classic, winning five consecutive games in this series. The Tigers entered the game with a strong home-field advantage and a solid defensive record, having not lost to a Division II team since 2019.

Jackson State has an old score to settle with TuskegeeHattiesburg American

Head Coach T.C. Taylor expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Lockhart and the defense. He noted, "Our players executed the game plan effectively, and it was great to see our defense perform at such a high level."

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Despite the victory, some analysts pointed out that Jackson State's offense struggled with penalties and inconsistencies in the passing game, which could pose challenges in future matchups against stronger opponents. Critics emphasized the need for improvement in these areas to maintain momentum throughout the season.

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Following this victory, Jackson State will look to build on their success as they prepare for their next game against Southern University on September 27, 2025. The Tigers will aim to continue their winning streak and improve their overall performance as they progress through the season.

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• "Our players executed the game plan effectively, and it was great to see our defense perform at such a high level." — T.C. Taylor, Head Coach, Jackson State University

Jackson State has an old score to settle with Tuskegee

• "Lockhart showed poise and skill, stepping up when we needed him most." — Anonymous JSU Player

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This comprehensive victory not only boosts JSU's confidence but also sets the stage for a competitive season ahead.

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