The Grambling State Tigers defense has become expert at forcing turnovers.
A week after forcing six in an overtime win over Texas A&M-Commerce, the Tigers forced five in a 41-20 victory over the Jackson State Tigers Saturday at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
Grambling State improved to 3-1. Jackson State dropped to 2-2.
Jackson State outgained GSU 438-271. But Grambling State had no turnovers.
The Louisiana Tigers intercepted two passes and recovered three fumbles. Four of the turnovers came in the second half.
After JSU cut the lead to 21-20, the GSU defense scored its second touchdown of the game.
On first-and-15 at the Jackson State 12, GSU hit quarterback Jacobian Morgan at the 4. He fumbled and Patrick Marshall recovered the ball in the end zone. Reed Harradine’s PAT gave GSU a 28-20 lead with 52 seconds left in the third.
On JSU’s next possession, GSU intercepted a Morgan pass and returned it to the JSU 13. Ke’travion Hargrove carried four straight times. He scored on second-and-goal from the 1.
After forcing a turnover on downs, GSU had a chance to extend the lead but Harradine missed a 32-yard field goal attempt.
However, Grambling State’s Jon Horton recovered a fumble on the second play of Jackson State’s ensuing possession. Harradine kicked a 29-yard field goal to put GSU on top 38-20 with 4:34 left in the game.
GSU forced a turnover on downs at the JSU 21 which resulted in the final points of the game, a 32-yard Harradine field goal with 1:31 left.
GSU’s Calvin Henderson then recovered yet another fumble with 57 seconds left.
GSU quarterback Myles Crawley completed 16-of-28 passes for 167 yards. His 22-yard touchdown pass to JR Waters gave GSU a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
Hargrove, who rushed 81 yards on 16 carries, scored the first touchdown of the game on a 7-yard run.
After JSU cut the lead to 14-13 late in the first half, GSU’s Caleb Lee-Collins returned an interception 22 yards for a TD and a 21-13 halftime lead.
Javon Robinson led GSU receivers with five catches for 44 yards. Former Bossier star Marquis Harris had one catch for 39 yards.
Grambling State plays Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The Panthers (1-3) lost to Southern 31-24 in overtime Saturday.