Southern controlled much of the opening half behind quarterback Christian Johnson and an effective running game. Mike Franklin put the Jaguars ahead with a 29-yard touchdown run with 3:25 remaining in the first quarter. Johnson added a 1-yard touchdown run early in the second, and Nathan Zimmer 33-yard field goal gave Southern a 17-10 advantage with 3:03 left before halftime. Alabama State cut the deficit to 17-13 on Andrew Abu-Akel's 33-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining.
Southern had opportunities to answer but could not turn second-half possessions into points. The Jaguars threw an interception on a drive that crossed into Alabama State territory and later failed on fourth down on each of their final two possessions. Southern finished 0 for 2 on fourth down and 4 for 14 on third down.
The Jaguars nevertheless finished with a narrow 161-159 advantage in rushing yards and held the ball for 31:27.
Johnson accounted for most of Southern's offense in his first game of the season. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 174 yards with one interception and rushed 14 times for a team-high 81 yards and a touchdown. His longest run went for 22 yards.
Daejawn Smith was Southern's leading receiver, catching four passes for 76 yards, including a 41-yard reception. He finished with a team-high 106 all-purpose yards. Trey Holly added 38 rushing yards on 15 carries and caught three passes for 22 yards. Franklin made the most of three rushing attempts, gaining 34 yards with the Jaguars' first touchdown.
Defensively, Tay James and Bryson Jennings shared the Southern lead with nine tackles apiece. Jennings added a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Herman Brister III recorded six tackles and a tackle for loss, while Ckelby Givens had four tackles, two tackles for loss and Southern's only sack. Ty Lee broke up two passes.
Zimmer contributed in the kicking game, making his 33-yard field-goal attempt and averaging 40.3 yards on six punts, with three placed inside the 20.
By the numbers
14 — Point lead for Southern after taking a 17-3 advantage in the second quarter.
335 — Total yards for Southern, including 161 rushing and 174 passing.
81 — Rushing yards for Johnson, who also threw for 174.
106 — All-purpose yards for Smith, the Jaguars' team leader.
9 — Tackles apiece for James and Jennings.
3 — Punts Zimmer placed inside Alabama State's 20-yard line.
31:27 — Southern's time of possession, nearly three minutes more than Alabama State.
4 of 14 — Southern's third-down conversion rate.
0 of 2 — Southern on fourth down, with both failed attempts coming in the fourth quarter.
The Jaguars showed early signs of the explosiveness they hope to build around, but their first test also delivered a clear lesson: finishing will matter just as much as starting fast. Southern returns to Baton Rouge for its home opener against Kentucky State on Sept. 5.
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