At the midway point of the 2024 season, the Grambling State Tigers hold a 3-3 record, battling through a mix of thrilling victories and close defeats. Under head coach Hue Jackson, the Tigers have demonstrated resilience and growth, competing fiercely in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). Despite setbacks in key conference games, Grambling State has shown the potential for a strong second-half push as they continue their campaign for a successful season.
Season Overview
The Tigers kicked off the season with a tough 40-10 loss against Louisiana, but they quickly bounced back with a three-game winning streak. Wins over Tuskegee (37-20), Texas A&M-Commerce (35-28), and rival Jackson State (41-20) displayed Grambling’s offensive firepower and defensive toughness.
The Tigers then faced narrow losses to Prairie View A&M (34-36) and Alcorn State (15-17), leaving them at 3-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play. Grambling has averaged 28.67 points per game while allowing 26.83 points, highlighting their ability to stay competitive in close contests.
Offensive Highlights
Leading the offense is quarterback Myles Crawley, who has thrown for 1,197 yards and nine touchdowns with a completion rate of 58.5%. Crawley has been a steady presence under center, with his standout performance coming against Jackson State, where he threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
The running game has been powered by Ke’Travion Hargrove, who leads the team with 301 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Tre Bradford has also contributed significantly with 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Hargrove’s ability to break big plays, including a 36-yard touchdown run, has made him a key offensive weapon for the Tigers.
In the receiving corps, Javon Robinson has been Crawley’s go-to target, hauling in 24 receptions for 326 yards and a touchdown. Jacoby Bellazar and Nick Howard have also made important contributions, with Bellazar recording 128 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Howard adding 116 receiving yards and a score.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Tigers have been led by linebacker Andrew Jones, who has amassed 60 total tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss. Jones’ leadership and playmaking ability have been crucial in keeping Grambling’s defense competitive.
Blake Davis has been a standout in the secondary, recording 31 tackles and two interceptions. His 35-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Jackson State was one of the defensive highlights of the season. Brenden Barley has also made a significant impact, leading the team with three interceptions, one of which he returned for 25 yards.
The defense has been opportunistic, forcing 11 interceptions through six games. Caleb Lee-Collins and Blake Davis have each contributed two interceptions, while the Tigers’ defensive front has recorded 10 sacks, led by Bryce Cage’s two sacks for 27 yards.
Special Teams Contributions
On special teams, kicker Reed Harradine has been reliable, converting 9 of 14 field goals, including a season-long 50-yard field goal. Harradine has also made 17 of 19 extra points, consistently adding points for the Tigers in close games.
Punter Johnny Schifano has averaged 40.48 yards per punt, with 12 of his 33 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory has been a valuable asset to the Tigers’ special teams unit.
Kick returner Javon Robinson has been a standout on special teams as well, averaging 29.57 yards per return. His longest kick return of 38 yards has provided the Tigers with good field position throughout the season.
Key Games Recap
Grambling vs. Jackson State (41-20)
In one of the most important wins of the season, Grambling State dominated rival Jackson State. Myles Crawley threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense forced two turnovers, including Blake Davis’ fumble return for a touchdown. The Tigers’ offense was unstoppable, amassing 392 total yards in the victory.
Grambling vs. Prairie View A&M (34-36)
In a heartbreaking loss, the Tigers fell to Prairie View A&M by just two points. Despite Crawley’s 250 passing yards and two touchdowns, Grambling’s defense struggled to contain Prairie View’s passing attack. The Tigers mounted a late comeback but fell just short in the final moments of the game.
Grambling vs. Alcorn State (15-17)
In another close contest, the Tigers’ offense struggled to find consistency against Alcorn State. Despite a solid defensive effort led by Andrew Jones and Blake Davis, Grambling was unable to capitalize on key scoring opportunities, ultimately falling 17-15. Reed Harradine’s 50-yard field goal was a bright spot in the tough loss.
Areas for Improvement
While Grambling has shown flashes of brilliance on both offense and defense, there are areas that need improvement. The offensive line has allowed 13 sacks, which has disrupted the rhythm of Crawley and the passing game at times. Additionally, the Tigers have struggled to convert on third downs, with a conversion rate of just 33.71%. Improving their third-down efficiency will be crucial as the season progresses.
Defensively, the Tigers have allowed an average of 392.7 total yards per game, including 238.83 passing yards. While the secondary has been opportunistic, recording 11 interceptions, they’ve also given up big plays, which have led to costly touchdowns. Tightening up coverage and reducing penalties will be key to the defense’s success in the second half of the season.
Looking Ahead
With a 3-3 record, Grambling State has the opportunity to turn their season around as they head into the heart of conference play. Upcoming games against SWAC rivals will be critical as the Tigers look to improve their standing in the conference.
The Tigers have shown resilience and competitiveness, but to make a run at the SWAC title, they’ll need to improve in key areas, particularly on third-down conversions and pass defense. If they can continue to build on their offensive and defensive strengths, the Tigers are poised to finish the season strong.
