HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | The Grambling State Tigers defense forced four turnovers, as GSU defeated Alabama A&M 29-16 Saturday afternoon, at Louis Crews Stadium.
Joseph McWilliams and Devanir Martin both returned interceptions for touchdowns as the Tigers stretched their winning streak to three games.
“Alabama A&M is a good football team,” Tigers head coach Broderick Fobbs said. "Defensively, we just played well and aggressive.”
The Bulldogs (5-5) won every statistic column except turnovers and points on the night. Alabama took their opening drive 11 plays for 75-yards, as quarterback Aqeel Glass connected with Marceles Class for a 6-yard touchdown pass to take an early 7-0 advantage.
GSU (6-4), responded with a 15-play. 73-yard drive that ended with a 21-yard field goal by Marc Orozco on their opening possession, to cut the margin to 7-3.
Alabama was unable to keep the momentum from their first possession, as Glass would be intercepted by GSU’s Danquarian Fields, it would be his first of the season.
The Tigers were unable to capitalize of the turnover, as A&M forced the Tigers to punt.
However, on the ensuing Bulldog possession Glass was intercepted again, as Joseph McWilliams returned it for a 35-yard touchdown, to give GSU a 10-7 advantage midway through the first half.
After an Alabama A&M field goal, Grambling answered with quarterback Geremy Hickbottom finding Devante Davis for a 39-yard touchdown, to set the score at 17-10 going into the half.
The Tigers marched 51 yards in seven plays after an Orozco field goal to start the third quarter. Martin would pick off Glass and return it for a 35-yard touchdown to push GSU lead to 27-10.
The Bulldogs tried to close the gap in the final period, as Dylan Smith rushed for a 10-yard touchdown, to trim the margin to 27-16.
GSU blocked the extra point as McWilliams returned it for two points to increase Grambling's final lead to 29-16.
“We made too many mistakes,” Bulldogs head Coach Connell Maynor said. "This team still has a chance to finish with their first winning season since 2012.”
Grambling State now turns its attention to the 45th Annual Bayou Classic on Nov. 24, as the Tigers prepare to take on Southern University for the SWAC West Division Championship. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at the Superdome in New Orleans.