Written by Eric Martinez - Prairie View, Texas — Prairie View A&M University dominated Texas Southern University in the Labor Day Classic, securing a 52–14 victory in this annual SWAC matchup.  With a kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2, the Panthers quickly established dominance, opening the game with a kickoff return touchdown for an early 7–0 lead, then extending it to 14–0 with 10:32 left in the first quarter. This strong start set the tone, as Prairie View A&M's defense constantly pressured Texas Southern, while their offense methodically built their lead.  Texas Southern began their first drive from their own 12-yard line, advancing with a first-down run. However, Prairie View's defense quickly responded, forcing a punt after a key sack.

Starting at their own 40-yard line, the Panthers encountered a challenge but gained a first down due to a defensive penalty. In the next series, Texas Southern was pushed back by a false-start penalty.  Renfrow ripped off a 24-yard run, moving the ball to the Prairie View A&M 38-yard line as Texas Southern attempted to climb back into the game.

Prairie View A&M forced another third-and-10 and ultimately stopped the drive, forcing a punt.

After a weather delay, Texas Southern earned an opportunity on fourth down following a penalty and took advantage. Quarterback Cameron McCoy scrambled into the end zone for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17–7 with 11:46 remaining in the first half.

Prairie View A&M answered with a 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty that moved the Panthers to their own 32-yard line. But the Tigers' defense responded with a strong series, including a holding penalty that backed Prairie View A&M up and eventually forced another punt.

Texas Southern took over with 9:11 left in the half and began putting together its best sustained drive of the afternoon.

Just when Texas Southern appeared poised to make the game a one-score affair, disaster struck.

The Tigers fumbled, and Prairie View A&M recovered at its own 20-yard line with 3:38 remaining in the half.

Texas Southern got another opportunity late in the second quarter, taking possession at its own 43-yard line with 1:47 remaining. McCoy completed a pass to Richardson for a first down at the Prairie View A&M 29-yard line, but the Tigers' 43-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide.

Prairie View A&M took over with 33 seconds remaining, and the teams went into halftime with the Panthers holding a 17–7 advantage.

Texas Southern kicked off the second half from their own 6-yard line. Quarterback McCoy swiftly connected with Richardson for a first down, but once again, Prairie View A&M's defense forced the Tigers to punt. 

The Panthers took possession at the Tigers' 44-yard line with 11:04 left in the third quarter. 

Despite moving the ball smoothly, a promising touchdown was negated by an offensive holding penalty at 9:54. However, the Panthers maintained their momentum. 

Kevin Carter broke free for an impressive 24-yard touchdown run, increasing Prairie View A&M's lead to 24–7 with 9:01 remaining in the quarter. 

Turning back to defense, the Panthers steamrolled through, recording consecutive sacks on McCoy, the second of which prompted Texas Southern to punt again. Prairie View A&M regained possession at their own 47-yard line with 7:26 left in the quarter. 

Running back Bingmon made his presence felt immediately, dashing for a 17-yard run. Carter then connected with Trevone Jones for a 21-yard touchdown, extending the Panthers’ lead to 31–7 with 6:41 remaining in the third. 

Texas Southern struggled to muster another significant drive and punted after Prairie View A&M halted them on third down. 

The Panthers' offensive onslaught surged ahead in the third quarter. 

With 3:58 remaining, Carter spotted Bingmon on a 54-yard wheel-route touchdown, pushing the lead to 38–7. 

Texas Southern then faced another setback, fumbling the ball with 2:54 left in the quarter, allowing the Panthers to start their possession at the Tigers' 45-yard line. 

Prairie View A&M capitalized once more. Quarterback Carter linked up with Rodney Ochidow for a significant reception, advancing the ball to the Tigers' 29-yard line. Running back Harris followed up with a powerful 20-yard gain to the 9-yard line, where Bingmon capped off the drive with a touchdown. 

As the third quarter ticked down to one minute remaining, Prairie View A&M had transformed a 17–7 halftime lead into a commanding 45–7 advantage. 

Texas Southern turned to Peterson Jr. at quarterback, replacing McCoy during the quarter's last moments. 

Panthers Finish the Job 

Texas Southern continued their drive into the fourth quarter but failed to finish, as a dropped pass resulted in a turnover on downs with 13:25 remaining, handing Prairie View A&M possession at their own 48-yard line. 

The Panthers drove deep into Texas Southern's territory once again. 

With 10:04 left, Carter connected with Jones for yet another touchdown, amplifying Prairie View A&M's advantage to 52–7.  

Quarterback Smith executed an impressive eight-yard rush, allowing the Panthers to control both the clock and field position. 

Texas Southern eventually found a late score, finalizing the game at 52–14, though the outcome had long been sealed.

Prairie View A&M's victory was built on three defining elements: a fast start, relentless defensive pressure and explosive offensive plays in the second half.

The Panthers turned a 17–7 halftime lead into a 45–7 advantage by the end of the third quarter, scoring repeatedly through the running game and the passing attack. Carter's ability to distribute the football, combined with big plays from Bingmon, Jones, Ochidow and the Prairie View A&M running backs, overwhelmed the Tigers after halftime.

Defensively, Prairie View A&M repeatedly disrupted McCoy and the Texas Southern offense, producing sacks, third-down stops and crucial takeaways.

The Labor Day Classic ultimately belonged to the Panthers.

Final: Prairie View A&M 52, Texas Southern 14.

The Panthers' dominant performance sent an emphatic message in the SWAC matchup, while Texas Southern was left to regroup after watching a competitive first half turn into a runaway Prairie View A&M victory.