Marshall Faulk Earns First College Coaching Win as Southern Beats Kentucky State
Marshall Faulk secured his first college head-coaching victory as Southern University defeated Kentucky State 34–15 in Baton Rouge. The post Marshall Faulk Earns First College Coaching Win as Southern Beats Kentucky State appeared first on African American News and Issues.
Black News 
BATON ROUGE, La. — Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk earned his first victory as a college head coach Saturday night as Southern University defeated Kentucky State 34–15 at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
The win came in Faulk’s second game leading Southern and moved the Jaguars to 1–1. It also gave Southern its first home victory since Nov. 16, 2024, according to WAFB-TV.
Southern broke open a scoreless game in the second quarter when Tay James returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown. After Kentucky State recorded a safety, Jaguars quarterback Christian Johnson connected with Isaiah Pina for a four-yard touchdown just before halftime, giving Southern a 13–2 lead.
The Jaguars extended their advantage in the third quarter. Trey Holly scored on a 16-yard run, and Johnson followed with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Champ Davis. Kentucky State responded with two quick touchdowns to cut the margin to 27–15, but Southern held the Thorobreds scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Holly added another touchdown with just over a minute remaining to secure the 34–15 final score.
The victory marked an early milestone for Faulk, who took over one of the country’s best-known HBCU football programs. Before entering coaching, the New Orleans native built a Hall of Fame NFL career as a running back with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams. He was a key member of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Faulk’s arrival at Southern brought national attention to the Southwestern Athletic Conference program. His transition from elite professional player to college head coach has created strong interest among alumni, recruits and HBCU football fans.
Saturday’s game also paired two historically Black universities with deep athletic traditions. Southern competes in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision and the SWAC, while Kentucky State competes in Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The Jaguars’ defense produced the night’s first major momentum shift with James’ interception return, while the offense delivered three touchdown drives after halftime. Southern’s ability to withstand Kentucky State’s rapid third-quarter rally gave Faulk his first opportunity to celebrate a complete team victory from the sideline.
The next test will carry special interest for Texas readers. Southern travels to Houston on Saturday, Sept. 12, to face the University of Houston at TDECU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Southern will then return home to face Louisiana Christian on Sept. 19 before beginning a stretch of SWAC games that includes Jackson State, Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Florida A&M and the season-ending Bayou Classic against Grambling State.
For Faulk and the Jaguars, the first win provides an early foundation—and a moment of momentum—at the beginning of a new coaching era.
Sources: Southern University Athletics; ESPN game summary; WAFB, Sept. 5, 2026; HBCU Sports.
The post Marshall Faulk Earns First College Coaching Win as Southern Beats Kentucky State appeared first on African American News and Issues.
