The G-Men put up 307 rushing yards against Texas Southern. Jada Stokes/The Gramblinite
Alumni were welcomed back for homecoming last week and were treated to a decisive victory for the Grambling Tigers. In a blowout win, the Tiger put up 55 points on Texas Southern University, earning their largest margin of victory for the season.
The opening drive started with a huge 73-yard rush by Quarterback Geremy Hickbottom to give Grambling the early lead, the drive only lasted just over one minute. Following a punt from Texas Southern, the G-Men responded immediately with a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide reciver Lyndon Rash.
Texas Southern began the drive, but were plagued by penalties and ended up punting the ball away again. The Tigers capitalized immediately with a 67 yard rush by Hickbottom, giving Grambling a 21-0 lead after the 46 second touchdown drive.
After receiving penalties in their favor, TXSU began to mount a good drive. However, they were unable to capitalize with a touchdown and instead set up for a 36-yard field goal attempt but left the possession scoreless when they fumbled the ball.
As the quarter ended, the G-Men were mounting another touchdown drive. A touchdown pass to wide receiver Nicholas Hunter opened the first minute of the second quarter, giving the Tigers a 28-0 lead.
TXSU was finally able to respond with their own touchdown the following drive on a touchdown pass to wide receiver Donnie Corley, but failed on the PAT.
Starting on the 49-yard line, the G-Men began yet another touchdown drive, this one coming as Hickbottom’s third rushing touchdown of the game. The ensuing PAT was blocked as GSU broadened the gap at 34-6. Collapsing even more, Texas Southern threw an interception on the ensuing drive.
The Tigers capitalized on the turnover and scored yet again, this time on a rush by runing back Keilon Elder. As the score hit 41-6, it became evident the difference in each team’s level of play.
Before the end of the second quarter, TXSU tacked on an additional touchdown and two point conversion to make the score 41-14 in favor of Grambling.
After the halftime show, Texas Southern returned to the field. Mounting a good drive, the team was able to put up six points to cut the deficit to 41-20 after a failed two point conversion.
The beginning drive of the quarter for TXSU went downhill after building up momentum. Downfield, an interception was caught by Tiger defender Anfernee Mullins and returned for a touchdown. The pick six marks another week that the Tiger defense has scored a touchdown of their own. The very next drive resulted in yet another interception, this time the Grambling offense scoring off of it as Kevin Dominique punched in another touchdown. The scoring came to an end after the PAT was made, cementing the 55-20 victory for the G-Men.
Offensive Coordinator Mark Orlando was pleased with the team’s performance.
“I feel like every week we are getting a lot better,” he said. “We are still missing Guice and some key links, but the kids are working hard. Are we there yet? No, but we are surely getting there. I always tell my guys it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”
Hickbottom put on an impressive performance, scoring five touchdowns, three rushing and two passing. Additionally, he led all rushers with 185 yard to go with 268 yards through the air.
At a solid 6-2 record, the Alcorn University will prove a challenge for the Tigers on Senior Day.
In order to sustain any championship hopes, the G-Men must secure a victory to stay in the running.