Grambling State Athletics; featured photo courtesy of Grambling State
Grambling State football rallied from an early 14-point deficit and delivered a clutch fourth-quarter performance to defeat No. 22 Jackson State, 45-38, Saturday at James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams Field at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers (4-2, 2-1 SWAC) overcame an early deficit and a late Jackson State (5-1, 2-1) surge to earn a key conference victory in front of 15,434 fans.
Quarterback Jacobe Robinsonaccounted for five touchdowns, completing 17 of 21 passes for 212 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 52 yards and a score. D’Shaun Fordrushed for 71 yards and a touchdown, while Tyson George led the receiving corps with eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.
Grambling State finished with 438 yards of total offense, including 237 passing yards and 201 rushing yards, while converting seven of 13 third-down opportunities.
Jackson State (5-2, 2-2 SWAC) opened the game with a 14-0 lead after Li’Darious Pryor scored on a 25-yard run before Justin Foster returned a Grambling State fumble 11 yards for a touchdown.
The Tigers answered with a 75-yard scoring drive, capped by Robinson’s 5-yard touchdown pass to George with 16 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Jackson State extended its lead to 21-7 early in the second quarter on Pryor’s second rushing touchdown, a 16-yard run. Grambling State responded with Robinson’s 6-yard touchdown run before tying the game at 21-21 on a 5-yard touchdown reception by Nae’Saan Dickerson with 22 seconds left in the first half.
Jackson State regained the lead with a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter, but Grambling State answered with an 11-play, 62-yard drive. Robinson connected with Patrick Williams II for a 9-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a 28-24 advantage.
Grambling State extended its lead early in the fourth quarter when Robinson found Lantavious Murphy for a 54-yard touchdown. The scoring strike capped a three-play, 67-yard drive and put the Tigers ahead 35-24.
Jackson State responded with two touchdowns to reclaim the lead. Caron Tyler connected with Jency Riley Jr. for a 7-yard touchdown before Pryor scored his third rushing touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run, giving Jackson State a 38-35 advantage with 9:19 remaining.
Grambling State remained composed and answered with a decisive scoring drive. Ford capped the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:36 remaining, putting the Tigers back in front, 42-38.
The Grambling State defense then delivered a crucial takeaway. Marcellius Johnson intercepted Tyler and returned the ball 24 yards, setting up the Tigers with excellent field position.
The Tigers capitalized on the opportunity as Theodore Caballero converted a 24-yard field goal with 1:01 remaining to extend the lead to 45-38.
Grambling State’s defense held on the final possession to secure the victory.
Defensively, Johnson recorded seven tackles and an interception, while Louis Foster also picked off a pass. Donte Hookfin registered three tackles for loss, including a sack, as the Tigers finished with two sacks and two interceptions.