Texas Southern coach sets tone ahead of Labor Day Classic with Prairie View A&M
[Cris Dishman didn’t just hold a press conference, he delivered a performance.](https://www.footballscoop.com/2025/08/25/college-football-coach-tells-rival-seated-beside-him-keep-the-day-job-predicts-classic-win) The Texas Southern head coach, a 13-year NFL veteran, lit up the microphone with confidence, humor, and a direct challenge to Prairie View A&M ahead of Saturday’s 40th annual Labor Day Classic. It was the kind of address that left fans buzzing and players motivated.
Dishman wasted no time taking playful aim at Prairie View’s first-year head coach, Tremaine Jackson. “First and foremost, I’d like to thank Tremaine for his wonderful song he gave us. I wonder if he can sing that song after. Yeah, you was horrible,” Dishman joked, sparking laughter across the room. “I think you keep the day job,” Dishman added.
But he quickly shifted to his formula for winning football: dominate third downs, own the red zone, cut penalties, and trust your 11. “Our 11 is better than their 11,” Dishman declared, refusing to soften his message.
He also doubled down on expectations, brushing aside the idea last year’s 27-9 win over Prairie View was an upset. “We expected to win that game. It wasn’t a surprise. Inside that locker room, we weren’t surprised.”
Dishman closed with a sharp distinction, rejecting Jackson’s description of his players as “dogs.” “Our young men would never be dogs. They’re educated, God-fearing young men. They understand what I expect.”
Texas Southern enters Saturday not just chasing a rivalry win but aiming for the SWAC West crown. Dishman made one thing clear, his team isn’t showing up to participate. They’re showing up to win.
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