One of the most anticipated showdowns in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) this year was against Division leaders, the Alcorn State University Braves (3-1, 5-3) (ASU) and the Grambling State University Tigers (3-0, 6-1) ((GSU). The game, which was played on October 21st at Eddie Robinson Memorial Stadium in Grambling, Louisiana, disappointed fans due to its one sidedness.
The first quarter saw the G-Men jump out to a quick start when Quarterback Devante Kincade scored at the 14:06 mark with a 17 yard scamper into the end zone and with Kicker Marc Orozco’s successful point after attempt (PAT) the score was 7-0, Tigers.
Entering the second quarter the Braves knew that they couldn’t get down early. At the 13:01 mark Running back De’Lance Turner scored with a 5 yard run to pay dirt and with Kicker Corey McCullough’s extra point the score was now tied at 7. The Tigers were determined to show the Braves who was the dominate team in the SWAC when they scored one minute and 36 seconds later at the 11:15 mark when Wide receiver Calief Samon caught a 53 yard pass from Kincade and with a PAT from Orozco the score was now 14-7, Tigers. Grambling continued its scoring prowess when Tight end Marquise Kaigler scored at the 6:00 minute mark with a 18 yard pass from Kincade and with yet another successful extra point attempt by Orozco the score now was 21-7, Tigers. With 9 seconds remaining in the quarter Orozco kicked a 40 yard field goal straight between the uprights to make the score at halftime 24-7, Tigers.
The third quarter continued the onslaught for Grambling as they scored at the 5:12 mark when Orozco kicked a 33 yard field goal making the score 27-7, Tigers. GSU scored again with 43 seconds left in the third when Defensive back Dedrick Shy intercepted Alcorn Quarterback Noah Johnson’s pass and returned it 51 yards for the touchdown and with a successful Orozco kick the score was now 34-7, Tigers.
In the fourth quarter the Braves realized it was now or never and at the 14:18 mark Turner scored on a 47 yard gallop into the end zone and with a McCullough PAT the score was now 34-14, Tigers. The scoring dominance of the Tigers showcased itself once more when Wide receiver Quinton Guice recovered a fumbled punt in the end zone and with an Orozco extra point attempt the final score was 41-14, Tigers.
The Braves have next week off and their next game will be against SWAC opponent the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs (3-1, 3-4) who are currently in second place in the Eastern Division. The game will take place on November 4th at 2:00 pm at Spinks-Casem Stadium in Lorman, Mississippi.