DALLAS -- Southern University used a strong defense and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown to win the inaugural State Fair Showdown 21-7 over Texas Southern at the Cotton Bowl. Ladarius Skelton of Southern completed 8-of-22 passes for 74 yards while adding 60 yards rushing and a touchdown on nine carries before leaving the game in the third quarter due to injury. Tyran Nash and Jordan Lewis were huge for the Jaguars as they each recorded five tackles and two sacks for a defense that only allowed 287 total yards including only 99 rushing yards in the game. Jay Christophe and Devin Williams combined to complete 14-of-33 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown for Texas Southern. Chukwudalu Ononenyi registered nine tackles for a Texas Southern defense that only allowed 101 passing yards in the game. 

TURNOVERS AND SPECIAL TEAMS

In a game dominated by stellar defensive play from both teams, turnovers and special teams plays were the difference in the game. Jordan Lewis of Southern blocked a Texas Southern punt and Carlos Stephens returned the punt 20 yards for a touchdown following a three-and-out on the Tigers opening drive. Texas Southern had their second drive of the third quarter end on a fumble recovered by Southern at the Tigers 42-yard line. The Jaguars only needed four plays to turn that fumble into seven points when Trey Smith caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from John Lampley. Texas Southern was moving the ball on the ensuing drive before another fumble was recovered by Southern at the Jaguars 32-yard line. Sean Jones and Anthony Fletcher each recorded an interception for Texas Southern, but the Tigers were unable to score any points off the turnovers.

A TRADITION BEGINS

Despite the weekend ending on a sour note for Texas Southern, the inaugural State Fair Football Showdown was an outstanding weekend of activities including a college fair, parade, and a Battle of the Bands that showcased Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) with the football game adding the final touch. It provides a great opportunity for both schools to recruit the fertile grounds of the DFW Metroplex on and off the football field. Southern University remains in contention to win the SWAC West division and play in the SWAC championship game in Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 1. The Jaguars have now won seven straight games against the Tigers and take the State Fair Football Showdown trophy home to Baton Rouge. Texas Southern continues to struggle this season as they have now lost six straight games since a season opening win over NCAA DII UT Permian Basin. 

FAVORABLE SCHEDULE

The Tigers have an opportunity to finish their season strong as their next three opponents entered play this week with a combined 3-14 record. Texas Southern will play two of those games at home, welcoming Mississippi Valley State (0-5, 0-2) to BBVA Compass Stadium next Saturday for homecoming. The Tigers then play Alabama State (2-4, 1-1) on the road before returning home to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-5, 0-2) on Nov. 17. Texas Southern will finish their season on the road against rival Prairie View A&M (3-4, 2-1). Southern University will be home for their next two games as they have a challenging game next week against rival Jackson State (3-2, 2-1) before hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 10. The Jaguars finish their season in the Bayou Classic against their rival Grambling State (3-3, 2-1).