STWF Sports| BATON ROUGE, La.| September 19, 2026 — Southern University returns to A.W. Mumford Stadium on Saturday night with an opportunity to reset before the start of conference play, as the Jaguars host Louisiana Christian University in the Gold Game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Sept. 19, with Southern looking to improve on a 1-2 start and regain momentum after a difficult road trip to Houston.
The Jaguars enter the matchup following a 77-6 loss to No. 22 Houston, a game in which Southern struggled to establish rhythm on either side of the football. The setback came one week after head coach Marshall Faulk earned his first victory at Southern with a 34-15 win over Kentucky State at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Returning home now gives the Jaguars a chance to respond before opening SWAC play at Jackson State on Sept. 26.
Southern’s Path to Redemption
Southern’s best blueprint may come from what worked in the Kentucky State victory. Running back Trey Holly was a major factor, carrying the ball 21 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Christian Johnson also delivered an efficient performance, completing 15 of 28 passes for 200 yards and two scores.
The Jaguars produced 372 yards of total offense in that game and showed balance while controlling key situations. Defensively, Southern repeatedly made stops when Kentucky State threatened, turning the Thoroughbreds away on downs four times.
That type of complementary football will be important against a Louisiana Christian team capable of creating problems.
The Wildcats should not be treated as a routine lower-division opponent. Louisiana Christian entered 2026 after sharing the 2025 Sooner Athletic Conference championship and receiving votes in the final NAIA coaches poll. The Wildcats also built a schedule designed to test themselves against Division I competition.
They have already proven capable of handling that challenge.
Louisiana Christian opened the season with a 42-37 road victory over Northwestern State, then followed that performance with a dominant 70-14 win over Langston.
The Wildcats generated 640 yards of total offense against Langston, including 390 rushing yards. Quarterback Bryce Perkins passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns, while running backs Datlan Cunningham and Darius Johnson each surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark.
That offensive production places added emphasis on Southern’s work at the line of scrimmage.
Defensive end Ckelby Givens and the Jaguars’ front will need to remain disciplined against an LCU offense that has shown the ability to create explosive plays both on the ground and through the air. Southern’s defense cannot afford to consistently give the Wildcats favorable down-and-distance situations.
For the Jaguars offensively, establishing Holly early could be one of the keys to the game. A productive rushing attack would help Southern control tempo, keep Johnson out of obvious passing situations and limit opportunities for the Wildcats to gain additional possessions.
Turnovers could also play a significant role.
Louisiana Christian has demonstrated an ability to turn defensive plays into points, including an interception returned for a touchdown against Langston. Southern must protect the football and avoid allowing the Wildcats to generate momentum through short fields or sudden-change opportunities.
A fast start may be especially important.
LCU enters Baton Rouge with confidence after already defeating an NCAA Division I opponent on the road. Allowing the Wildcats to remain within striking distance deep into the game could create additional pressure on a Southern team trying to rebound from last week’s result.
For Faulk and the Jaguars, Saturday represents more than an opportunity to earn a second victory. It is Southern’s final non-conference tune-up before the schedule shifts fully into SWAC competition.
The Jaguars have already experienced the highs of a home victory and the adversity of a difficult FBS road loss during the opening weeks of Faulk’s tenure. Now they return to The Bluff with a chance to establish consistency.
With the Human Jukebox, the Southern faithful and the familiar surroundings of A.W. Mumford Stadium behind them, the Jaguars will look to put the Houston loss in the rearview mirror.
Louisiana Christian, however, arrives with an explosive offense and enough early-season success to make Saturday night a legitimate test.
Game: Louisiana Christian at Southern University
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT
Location: A.W. Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Designation: Gold Game
