Jackson State's Big Defensive Play Stops Grambling's Rally, 33-28 in SWAC Opener

Author:
Kyle T. Mosley
Publish date:
Mar 6, 2021 5:34 PM EST

Jackson State's football team is 2-0 under their Hall of Fame head coach Deion Sanders. Coach Prime's squad appeared ready for "primetime" themselves as they defeated the Grambling State University Tigers, 33-28, in Eddie Robinson Stadium.

GOAL LINE STANDS

It was a gritty performance by the Jackson State Tigers team, who have struggled in the SWAC for several years. Winning on the road at Grambling was going to be a difficult task. JSU was prepared and answered Grambling point-by-point before taking the decisive 33-28 lead late in the 4th quarter.

JSU had Grambling on the ropes once again and pounded the football inside to the G-Men's red zone. JSU exchanged running backs, Alexander, for the sure-handed Clarke. The next play, Clarke, was close to breaking the goal line's plane, but his offensive lineman's extra push helped dislodge football. Grambling recovered the fumble in the endzone. GSU was ready and went to work.

Hickbottom led the offensive charge for Grambling at the 25-yard line. After several well-orchestrated running plays, JSU was on their heels and had no defensive answers. With a 1:04 left on the clock and less than 1 yard to go ahead, Grambling's running back Keilon Elder was hit by JSU's Miller and fumbled. Jackson State recovered and sealed the win.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Grambling could not stop JSU's Alexander. He led all rushers with 184 yards on 17 rushing attempts. JSU's new starting quarterback Jones was 12/17 tosses for 185 yards on the day. Grambling's Hickbottom had a fabulous day. Hickbottom threw 24/35 passes for 237 yards and 1 TD. The quarterback had rushing success with 16 rushes for 81 yards and 1 TD.

IN THE SWAC

The win for Jackson State ended a five-game losing streak to Grambling.
Prairie View A&M will host Grambling at the State Fair Classic in Arlington, TX, on Saturday, March 13. After the initial game postponement, Coach Prime's JSU team will return home to meet Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, March 14.