The humidity in Jackson usually clings to everything, but on that November Saturday in 2025, the air felt different. Electric. It wasn't just another game on the schedule for the Jackson State Tigers. It was a collision with a Bethune-Cookman team that, frankly, had no business being as competitive as they were, given the chaos of the week prior.
If you followed HBCU football last season, you know the story. Bethune-Cookman came into Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium short-handed. A massive brawl during their game against Grambling State had left the Wildcats with nine players suspended. Most people—myself included—thought Jackson State would just roll over them. I mean, the Tigers were eyeing a SWAC Championship berth.
But football is rarely that predictable.
The Ground War in Jackson
Basically, Jackson State decided to turn the game into a track meet, but without the hurdles. They ran. Then they ran some more. By the time the final whistle blew, the Tigers had racked up a staggering 360 rushing yards.
It’s rare to see one running back go over 100 yards in a game. It's almost unheard of to see three guys do it in the same afternoon. Ahmad Miller, Donerio Davenport, and Travis Terrell Jr. all crossed the century mark.
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- Ahmad Miller: 118 yards (22 carries)
- Donerio Davenport: 106 yards (11 carries)
- Travis Terrell Jr.: 103 yards (11 carries)
While JSU’s ground game was a literal hammer, Bethune-Cookman’s Cam Ransom was playing like a man possessed. Despite the missing teammates and the hostile crowd of over 23,000 fans, Ransom threw for 215 yards. He kept the Wildcats within striking distance for three and a half quarters. Honestly, if not for a couple of back-breaking mistakes, the upset was actually on the table.
Why This Specific Matchup Matters
You’ve got to look at the history to understand the weight of Jackson State vs Bethune Cookman. Historically, JSU has dominated this series recently, winning five straight meetings heading into 2026. But the Wildcats always seem to find a way to make it uncomfortable.
In 2023, it was a six-point nail-biter. In 2025, it took an 82-yard "pick-six" by B.J. Washington with only 13 seconds left on the clock to finally put the game away. The final score of 28-13 doesn't tell you how close it actually felt in the stadium.
The Turning Points
- The Quick Strike: JSU scored an 83-yard touchdown pass on just their second play from scrimmage.
- The Instant Response: Javon Ross immediately returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a Bethune-Cookman touchdown. 14 seconds of game time, two scores.
- The Goal Line Stand: Late in the third quarter, B-CU pulled within a single point (14-13) before JSU’s depth finally started to wear them down.
Breaking Down the Stat Sheet
If we look at the efficiency, Jackson State averaged 6.9 yards per carry. That is an absurd number. It means on average, every time they handed the ball off, they were halfway to a first down.
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On the other side, Bethune-Cookman’s passing attack was surprisingly efficient. They completed 68% of their passes throughout the 2025 season, which ranked them near the top of the FCS. In this specific game, Ransom was forced to throw more than he probably wanted to because the Wildcats' run game was held to just 75 yards.
| Stat Category | Bethune-Cookman | Jackson State |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 13 | 22 |
| Total Offense | 290 | 520 |
| Passing Yards | 215 | 160 |
| Rushing Yards | 75 | 360 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 2 |
The Atmosphere: More Than Just a Game
If you haven't been to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for a big SWAC game, you're missing out. The attendance for the 2025 matchup was 23,348. That’s higher than some FBS games.
The "Sonic Boom of the South" (JSU's band) and the "Marching Wildcats" provide a soundtrack that makes the game feel like a festival. In 2025, it was a "Black Out" game for Jackson State, and the sea of black jerseys in the stands against the bright Mississippi sun was something else.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
Looking forward, the Jackson State vs Bethune Cookman rivalry is shifting. JSU is no longer the "Deion era" juggernaut, but under TC Taylor, they've maintained a level of physical dominance—specifically on the defensive line and in the run game—that is hard for most SWAC teams to match.
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Bethune-Cookman is in a rebuilding phase under Raymond Woodie. They showed in 2025 that they can "play up" to their competition. They aren't scared of the big stage. But to actually flip the script and beat JSU, they have to fix their rush defense. You can't give up 360 yards on the ground and expect to win. Period.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Trench Battle: When these two play, don't watch the ball. Watch the JSU offensive line. If they are moving the pile early, the game is over.
- The "Kickoff" Factor: Javon Ross is a name to remember. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball on special teams.
- Home Field Advantage: JSU is significantly better at home. The crowd noise in Jackson legitimately rattles opposing quarterbacks, contributing to Ransom's late-game interception in 2025.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, keep an eye on the transfer portal. Both schools have been aggressive in the off-season, and with the new SWAC divisions, every game carries massive weight for the Celebration Bowl hunt.
Next Steps:
- Check the official SWAC schedule for the 2026 season to see if this matchup falls early in the year or serves as a late-season "spoiler."
- Review the latest JSU recruiting class to see if they've added more depth to that already terrifying backfield.