Jackson State Shuts Out Tuskegee 30-0 in W.C. Gorden Classic

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Jackson, Miss. — Jackson State got back on track in emphatic fashion Saturday afternoon, shutting out Tuskegee 30-0 in the annual W.C. Gorden Classic at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Freshman quarterback Jared Lockhart made the most of his first collegiate start, accounting for three touchdowns and showing poise well beyond his years. Lockhart spread the ball efficiently, leading an offense that piled up more than 520 total yards, balanced almost evenly between the ground and the air. Jackson State’s ground game controlled the tempo, racking up 252 rushing yards, while the passing attack added 259 yards. Running backs consistently broke through Tuskegee’s defensive front, setting up big-play opportunities that the Tigers capitalized on throughout the afternoon. On the other side of the ball, Jackson State’s defense delivered its most dominant performance of the season. The unit stifled Tuskegee from start to finish, allowing just 109 total yards of offense. Tuskegee mustered only 24 yards rushing on 20 carries, an average of just over one yard per attempt. Their passing game didn’t fare much better, as the Golden Tigers were limited to short gains and never found a rhythm. “We wanted to make a statement today,” Jackson State head coach said after the game. “Our guys played physical, played disciplined, and really answered the call after last week.”

For Tuskegee, it was a humbling setback after a strong 2–0 start to the season. The Golden Tigers struggled to protect their quarterback and found no room to maneuver against Jackson State’s relentless front seven. The shutout win improves Jackson State to 2–1 on the season, while Tuskegee also moves to 2–1 following its first defeat of the year.

The two programs have only met a handful of times in history, with Saturday marking their first meeting in nearly a decade. Jackson State now holds the edge in the all-time series.

Jackson State will look to build on the momentum next week when it returns to conference play, while Tuskegee will regroup and try to bounce back as SIAC competition heats up.