Football Drops Back-And-Forth Contest At Grambling State

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GRAMBLING, La. – Grambling State scored a late touchdown in the fourth quarter to pull away from Texas Southern 35-23 on Saturday afternoon inside Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.

Grambling State used its running game to score early as they punched it in from a yard out on its second drive of the contest for a 7-0 lead following the PAT. TSU finally got things going offensively to open the second quarter as Jace Wilson completed 3-of-4 passes with the latter a 41-yard strike to AJ Bennett for a 7-7 tie after Curtis Falkenburg’s PAT.

Both defenses rose to the occasion throughout the quarter as they combined for five punts. However, Grambling State would strike late with only seven seconds left with a late touchdown pass for a 14-7 halftime lead.

TSU opened the third quarter with a bang with big plays in the rushing and passing attack but had to settle for a 41-yard Curtis Falkenburg field goal as the drive stalled on the 24. Down 14-10, TSU’s momentum was short-lived as GSU countered with a seven-play, 75-yard drive which culminated in an 11-yard touchdown run and a 21-10 lead following the PAT.

Two drives later, TSU finally returned to the endzone as Wilson connected with Eyan Means for a deep bomb and Means scored on a 34-yard touchdown reception. Falkenburg’s PAT was good as TSU was down 21-17 late in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, TSU was forced to punt from its on 1 and GSU had a short field position due to a big return and TSU personal foul. GSU needed only one play to up the lead to 28-17. On TSU’s ensuing drive, the Tigers marched down the field and kept it close as Jacorey Howard had several big runs to move the team down the field. Wilson delivered the heavyweight blow as he connected with Jyrin Johnson for a 25-yard touchdown and a 28-23 margin as the two-point conversion fell inches short.

With the game on the line and 6:45 remaining, TSU had Grambling State pinned on its own 13 entering third down. Unfortunately, Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley found one-on-one coverage and converted a 37-yard pass which gave them momentum en route to a 1-yard run six plays later.

With the opportunity to get back into the contest down only score gone, TSU couldn’t recover as GSU closed out the win.

TSU finished with 271 total offensive yards as LaDarius Owens rushed for 76 yards on 20 attempts while Wilson passed for 153 yards on 14-of-24 passing. Isaiah Bogerty led the way defensively with 10 stops.

TSU is back in action next Saturday for Homecoming 2023 as they’ll host Lincoln University (Calif.) at 2 p.m. inside Durley Stadium.