A Thrilling Showdown: Grambling Tigers Prevail Over Texas Southern
Grambling, LA - September 23, 2023
The Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium was the stage for an electrifying battle between two fierce rivals, the Grambling Tigers and the Texas Southern Tigers, on a sunny September afternoon. Fans from both sides flocked to witness this gridiron clash, and they were not disappointed. In a game marked by jaw-dropping touchdowns and heart-stopping moments, Grambling emerged victorious, securing a 35-23 win over their Texas counterparts. With an attendance of 4,741 passionate fans, the Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium was alive with energy. The line favored Grambling by 3 points, and the over/under was set at 63.5, making for a thrilling and high-scoring contest that lived up to all expectations.
First Quarter: A Promising Start
The opening quarter set the tone for an action-packed game. Grambling wasted no time as Floyd Chalk IV bulldozed his way into the end zone with a one-yard run, capping off an impressive drive that lasted just 7 minutes and 34 seconds. Tanner Rinker's extra point put the Grambling Tigers up 7-0.
Second Quarter: Texas Southern Strikes Back
Texas Southern wasn't about to let Grambling steal the show. Early in the second quarter, Jace Wilson connected with AJ Bennett on a stunning 41-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Texas Tigers level with Grambling. The crowd roared with excitement. But Grambling answered swiftly with just 7 seconds remaining in the half. Myles Crawley found Lyndon Rash with a 17-yard pass, and Tanner Rinker's successful kick gave Grambling a 14-7 lead at the half.
Third Quarter: Texas Keeps It Close
The third quarter saw Curtis Falkenburg of Texas Southern nail a 41-yard field goal, inching the Tigers closer at 14-10. However, Grambling's Chance Williams powered through with an 11-yard run, extending Grambling's lead to 21-10. Texas Southern refused to back down, and Jace Wilson's 34-yard pass to Eyan Means brought the Texas Tigers within four points at 21-17.
Fourth Quarter: Grambling Holds Strong
In a make-or-break fourth quarter, Grambling demonstrated their resilience. Lyndon Rash caught another touchdown pass from Myles Crawley, this time an 11-yard beauty. The Tigers from Grambling were up 28-17, but Texas Southern wasn't done. Jace Wilson threw a 25-yard dart to Jyrin Johnson for a touchdown, making it 28-23. Unfortunately for Texas Southern, a two-point conversion attempt failed. Grambling sealed the deal with Floyd Chalk IV's second one-yard run of the day, making the final score 35-23 in favor of Grambling.
Game Leaders Shine
Jace Wilson of Texas Southern had an impressive game, going 14-24 with 153 passing yards and three touchdowns. On the Grambling side, Myles Crawley was equally impressive, going 14-23 with 195 passing yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Chance Williams stood out for Grambling with 174 rushing yards and a touchdown, while for Texas Southern, LaDarius Owens put up 76 yards. Receiving honors went to AJ Bennett of Texas Southern, who had 38 yards and a touchdown, and Lyndon Rash of Grambling, who shone with 58 yards and two touchdowns.
Stat Showdown
In the battle of the stats, Grambling dominated with 477 total yards compared to Texas Southern's 271. The turnover battle was won by Grambling, who secured one key takeaway. Grambling also racked up more first downs, 23 to Texas Southern's 13, and controlled possession with 34 minutes and 20 seconds on the clock.
In the end, Grambling's tenacity and big plays proved to be the difference-makers in this exhilarating showdown of the Tigers. As the sun set on the Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, Grambling celebrated their victory, leaving the Texas Southern Tigers with valuable lessons to carry forward in the season.