Jackson State came out strong against Bethune-Cookman, jumping to an early lead using the Wildcat formation to punch in the first touchdown. They had a chance to go up by three scores but threw a costly pick-six that swung momentum. Bethune-Cookman hadn’t scored for over two quarters, but that interception down the sideline cracked it open. The return man’s helmet came off mid-play, showing off his face and hair as he celebrated the score. A bit later, Bethune-Cookman stripped the ball again, and a defensive end scooped it up to run it back, stealing the spotlight even though a teammate caused the fumble.
Jackson State responded with a smooth play-action touchdown to go up 15-7, but the moment that lit up the crowd wasn’t on the field. Their mascot, a costumed tiger, took center stage with an over-the-top sideline celebration involving lifts, spins, and repeated high-fives. It was fun until a flag came out. Still, he kept dancing. Bethune-Cookman kept piling on. Another defensive score flipped the game hard in their favor. Despite being shut out for most of the contest, they ran away with it 36-15. First time these two teams played in 30 years, and it ended not just with a blowout but a full-on mascot sideshow penalty that fans won’t forget.