Southeast Missouri State University edged out Indiana State 23-21 in the opening week of college football, while Jackson State pulled off a 26-24 victory over Tennessee State in a tightly contested matchup.
The Redhawks, under head coach Tom Matukewicz, opened the scoring with a field goal from Justin Keller, who finished the game with 11 points, including three successful kicks. Khyair Spain added an 8‑yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, giving SEMO an early lead, and Tom Matukewicz secured his first win over Indiana State as head coach.
Indiana State answered with an 18‑yard strike from Braylen Ragland to John Anthony, Jr., and later tied the contest when Elijah Owens found the end zone, forcing the game into a back‑and‑forth battle that swung on every possession.
Jackson State’s Narrow Win
Jackson State’s offense exploded on a single play, as quarterback Jared Lockhart connected with Nate Blount IV on an 88‑yard touchdown pass that put the Tigers ahead. Kicker Andrew Ivaniciuc sealed the win with four field goals, the longest a 21‑yard effort in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee State fought back, with Daylin Lee’s touchdown run narrowing the gap, but the Tigers’ perfect six‑for‑six conversion on third‑down attempts kept the momentum out of reach for the visitors.
Both contests highlighted the razor‑thin margins that define early‑season play, with defensive stops and special‑teams accuracy proving decisive. The performances set an energetic tone for the remainder of the schedule.