For the first time since 2012, Jackson State traveled to Grambling, Louisiana and for the second year in a row Grambling defeated their conference rival. Grambling State got on the board first, as they capitalized on a bad snap that forced Jackson State quarterback Brent Lyles out of the end zone. Grambling added to their lead at 12:35 mark in the first quarter, when quarterback Devante Kincade ran for a 13 yard touchdown. Jackson State cut into the lead when Brent Lyles scored on a 2 yard run, bringing the score to 9-7.
In the second quarter Jackson State capped of a seven-play, 81 yard drive with a Jordan Johnson 2 yard touchdown run. That score gave Jackson State a 14-9 lead, with 11:29 remaining in the first half. Grambling’s Martez “Mr. Excitement” Carter helped Grambling reclaim the lead when he broke free for a 51 yard touchdown run. Carter’s touchdown gave Grambling a 16-14 lead. Grambling State would hold the lead for the rest of the game. Jackson State kept the game interesting as Lyles found Benjy Parrish on a 33-yard touchdown pass. Jackson State now trailed 22-21, with 7:03 left in the second quarter.
4th Quarter Difference
They say defense wins championships and Grambling’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter. Despite giving up 21 points in the first three quarters the G-men’s defense kept Jackson State out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Grambling scored on a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Kincade found Lyndemian Brooks for a 51 yard touchdown pass. The second score occurred when Percy Cargo Jr. scored on a 11 yard fumble recovery. Grambling’s defense held Jackson State to only 48 yards rushing on 31 attempts.
Next up
Grambling State will take their show on the road next week, as they travel to Itta Bena, Mississippi to play the 0-2 Delta Devils of Mississippi valley state. Jackson State will face 0-2 Arkansas-Pine Bluff at home.