Former NFL All-Pro Cris Dishman led Texas Southern University to a breakthrough victory, defeating rival Prairie View A&M 27-9 in their season opener.
The win not only marked Dishman’s first as an HBCU head coach but also ended a nine-game losing streak against Prairie View, making it Texas Southern’s first victory over their rival in a decade. In a matchup filled with NFL pedigree, Dishman’s team knocked off the reigning SWAC West Champions, coached by his former Houston Oilers teammate Bubba McDowell.
Dishman’s defensive expertise was on full display, with the Tigers stifling Prairie View’s offense, limiting them to just 21 rushing yards and forcing critical turnovers. Running back Danny Green, Jr. powered Texas Southern’s offense with two rushing touchdowns, while quarterback K.J. Cooper added a key passing touchdown to seal the victory.
This win is a significant milestone for Texas Southern under Dishman’s leadership, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the SWAC. The victory over McDowell’s squad, the defending SWAC West division champions, underscores the impact of Dishman’s NFL experience on his team’s performance. Texas Southern fans have much to look forward to as the season unfolds.
Texas Southern will return to Houston to take on Rice on Sept. 7. Prairie View A&M will