By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications; featured photo courtesy of Grambling State
GRAMBLING — Grambling State quarterback C’zavian Teasett accounted for two touchdowns, and Clyde McClendon Jr. powered in the game-winning score with under two minutes remaining as the Tigers stormed back for a 31-28 victory over East Texas A&M on Saturday night at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
GSU (3-1) trailed by 14 late in the first half but rallied behind a balanced offensive attack, leaning on explosive plays and timely defense to hold off the Lions (0-3).
After East Texas A&M grabbed a 14-0 advantage on a 7-yard run by EJ Oakmon and a 3-yard touchdown pass from Eric Rodriguez to Brycen Davis, the Tigers finally broke through just before halftime.
Teasett led a quick three-play drive capped by an 11-yard scoring strike to Covadis Knighten, cutting the deficit to 14-7 with 59 seconds left in the half.
The Tigers wasted no time drawing even to open the third quarter.
Following a defensive stop on downs at the goal line, Teasett muscled in from a yard out to tie the game at 14-14.
East Texas A&M answered with a 26-yard touchdown connection from Rodriguez to Jaden Proctor, but Grambling responded immediately with Byron Eaton Jr.’s dazzling 54-yard touchdown run to knot things again at 21-21.
The Lions reclaimed the lead early in the fourth on a 6-yard touchdown run by JaiSean McMillian, but Grambling clawed back within 28-24 on Theodore Caballero’s 41-yard field goal with 10:54 remaining.
With the game on the line, Teasett orchestrated a clutch 12-play, 77-yard march late in the fourth.
McClendon Jr. finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge with 1:56 left, giving the Tigers their first and final lead of the night.
East Texas A&M drove into field goal range in the closing seconds, but Ozlo Rigby’s 52-yard attempt sailed wide sealing the victory for Grambling.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Grambling was outgained 352-321 but averaged nearly six yards per play.
- Eaton Jr. led the rushing attack with 69 yards, including his 54-yard score, while McClendon Jr. and Teasett also added rushing touchdowns.
- Teasett threw for 179 yards and a touchdown, with Tyson Georgepacing the receiving corps at 59 yards.
- Defensively, Jamal Jordan tallied eight tackles, while Warren Robinson recorded a crucial sack in the final minute to stall East Texas A&M’s last drive.
UP NEXT
Grambling State heads to Dallas next weekend for the annual State Fair Classic, squaring off against Prairie View A&M inside the historic Cotton Bowl. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.