Grambling tops Jackson State, set to face Prairie View at State Fair Classic

GRAMBLING, La. (KTVE/KARD) – This week, Grambling is preparing for the State Fair Classic against Prairie View. But before looking ahead to Texas, let’s take a moment to recap their recent game against Jackson State.

It was a packed house at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, with more than 19,000 fans in attendance as the G-Men defeated Jackson State 41-20 on Saturday night. Grambling started strong, driving 77 yards on their first possession for a 7-0 lead, capped by a 7-yard touchdown from Ke’Travion Hargrove. A quick 22-yard pass from Myles Crawley to JR Waters put Grambling ahead 14-0 before the first quarter was over.

Offensively, Crawley completed 16 of 28 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown, while Javon Robinson caught five passes for 44 yards. Hargrove was named the player of the game, rushing for 81 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries. The Tigers maintained a strong ground game, totaling 104 rushing yards. However, the standout performers were Grambling’s defense, which forced five turnovers, returning two for touchdowns.

Grambling’s defense is leading the nation in interceptions, takeaways and defensive touchdowns. Even after allowing 438 yards, the G-Men kept Jackson State guessing. Just before halftime, Caleb Lee-Collins intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving Grambling a 21-13 lead at the break. Jackson State attempted to rally, but GSU’s defense had other plans. Andrew Jones, the SWAC Defensive Player of the Week, led the charge with 11 tackles, a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.

The Tigers improve to 3-1, while Jackson State falls to 2-2. Grambling State is set to open SWAC play against Prairie View at the Cotton Bowl.

Grambling will face Prairie View at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, for the State Fair Classic, this Saturday (9/28) at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.