On September 21, 2024, at Robinson Stadium in Grambling, Louisiana, the Grambling Tigers delivered a commanding performance against the Jackson State Tigers, seizing control in the second half to secure a 41-20 victory. In front of a crowd of 19,085 fans, Grambling’s resilience and defensive prowess ultimately overwhelmed Jackson State in a game that saw both teams showcase their offensive capabilities.
First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game kicked off with Grambling striking first. At the 12:01 mark of the first quarter, running back Ke’Travion Hargrove punched in a 7-yard touchdown, capping a 7-play, 77-yard drive. With the extra point by Reed Harradine, Grambling took an early 7-0 lead. Just a few minutes later, Grambling’s Myles Crawley connected with JR Waters for a 22-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Jackson State answered back in the second quarter with a 70-yard bomb from quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy to Joanes Fortilien, cutting the deficit to 14-7. Their momentum continued as Travis Terrell Jr. broke free for a 33-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-13 after a missed extra point attempt.
However, Grambling’s defense made a pivotal play just before halftime. Caleb Lee-Collins intercepted McCoy and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown, giving Grambling a 21-13 lead heading into the break.
Second Half: Grambling Takes Control
The third quarter saw Jackson State mount a brief comeback. Jacobian Morgan, who replaced McCoy at quarterback, found Ja’Naylon Dupree for a 66-yard touchdown pass, pulling Jackson State within one point, 21-20.
However, Grambling’s defense and special teams took over from there. With just 42 seconds left in the third quarter, Grambling’s Patrick Marshall recovered a fumble in the end zone, extending the lead to 28-20. From that point on, Grambling’s defense shut down Jackson State, while the offense capitalized on turnovers and good field position.
In the fourth quarter, Hargrove added another rushing touchdown, and Harradine kicked two field goals, sealing the 41-20 victory for Grambling. The Tigers’ defense, led by Andrew Jones and Bryce Cage, consistently pressured Jackson State’s quarterbacks, forcing turnovers and limiting their offensive production.
Key Performers:
- Grambling Offense: Myles Crawley managed the game efficiently, throwing for 167 yards and a touchdown. Ke’Travion Hargrove was a force on the ground, rushing for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
- Grambling Defense: Andrew Jones was all over the field, leading the defense with 11 tackles and a sack. Caleb Lee-Collins and Brenden Barley each recorded interceptions, with Lee-Collins returning his for a touchdown.
- Jackson State Offense: Despite the loss, Jackson State had some bright spots. Cam’Ron McCoy threw for 140 yards and a touchdown, while Jacobian Morgan added another 139 yards and a touchdown in relief. Joanes Fortilien and Ja’Naylon Dupree were the main targets, combining for 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Statistical Breakdown:
- Total Offense: Jackson State actually outgained Grambling, 438 yards to 271, but turnovers and mistakes proved costly.
- Rushing Attack: Grambling managed 104 rushing yards, led by Hargrove’s 81 yards. Jackson State ran for 159 yards, with Travis Terrell Jr. contributing 45 yards and a touchdown.
- Defensive Dominance: Grambling’s defense forced four turnovers (three fumbles, one interception) and held Jackson State to just 20 points despite their yardage advantage.
Turning Point:
The turning point came late in the third quarter when Patrick Marshall recovered a fumble in the end zone, swinging momentum decisively in Grambling’s favor. This play, coupled with strong defensive pressure, stifled any hope of a Jackson State comeback.
Conclusion:
Grambling’s victory over Jackson State was a testament to their opportunistic defense and efficient offense. Despite Jackson State’s statistical advantage in total yards, Grambling capitalized on key moments and mistakes, proving that football is a game of more than just numbers. The win improves Grambling’s record to 3-1, while Jackson State falls to 2-2.
As both teams look ahead to conference play, Grambling will carry this momentum into their next matchup, while Jackson State will need to address their turnover issues to get back on track.
