By Curtis Ford, Grambling State Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Communications
HARRISON, N.J. — The anticipation is almost over for Grambling State University football fans, as the G-Men are set the kickoff the 2023 season versus Hampton University in the Inaugural Prudential Brick City Kickoff Classic on Saturday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
The Tigers who look to bounce back strong after going 3-8 overall with a 2-6 mark in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) under first year head coach Hue Jackson, returns a healthy mix of veteran leadership with a solid batch of newcomers.
Grambling State is looking to snap a five-game losing streak to Hampton with GSU’s previous win against the Pirates coming in 1994.
Saturday’s contest will also mark the GSU coaching debut for multiple coaches. Tony Hull, Tyron Carrier and Dedrick Dodge are new faces that Tiger fans will see roaming the sidelines. Hull will serve as Co-Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach and Passing Game Coordinator, Carrier will guide the wide receiving unit and Dodge will be in charge of the safeties.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NFL Network/NFL+. Handling play-by-play duties is Andrew Siciliano alongside analyst JC Pearson and sideline reporter Marlee Wierda.
ABOUT THE GAME
- This game marks the first meeting between Grambling State and Hampton since the 2006 season which HU won 27-26
- The Tigers are searching for their first win over the Pirates since 1994.
- Grambling State is 2-6 all-time versus Hampton. GSU and Hampton have played each other six times in New Jersey. The Tigers are 2-4 in versus Hampton in the state of New Jersey.
- Grambling State was predicted to finish fourth in the SWAC preseason West Division poll.
- Hampton was chosen to finish 15th in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) preseason poll.
ABOUT GRAMBLING STATE
- The Tigers enter the 2023 season following a 2022 campaign that saw them finish 3-8 overall and 2-6 in the SWAC under first-year head coach Hue Jackson.
- GSU returns seven starters from the 2022 team.
- The Tigers placed six players on the Preseason All-SWAC teams. Sundiata Anderson, Lewis Matthews, Lyndon Rash, Kevin Thomas, Quincy Mitchell and Jimmy Iles
- Sundiata Anderson is an NFL prospect and has earned multiple preseason honors. He’s been named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl and the Buck Buchanan Award Watch Lists
- Grambling State is no stranger to the New Jersey/New York area. GSU played the first ever HBCU football matchup held in New York City in 1968 versus Morgan State. The Tigers have plaued nine games in the state of New Jersey
ABOUT HAMPTON
- The Pirates are led by head coach Robert Prunty. Hampton finished the 2022 season 4-7 overall, 1-7 in the CAA.
- Hampton is searching for its first victory since Oct. 15, 2022 when it beat the University of Albany 38-37.
A GRAMBLING STATE WIN WOULD…
- End Grambling State’s five-game losing streak to Hampton.
- Give GSU its first season opening win since 2021.
- Give Hue Jackson his first season-opening win at Grambling State.
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