Tigers look for vengeance against Grambling State

Morgan Beard
Staff Writer

Jackson State University will look to pick up its first win against long-time rival, the Tigers of Grambling State University this week to open up Southwestern Conference play.

The bitter rivalry promises to be another classic in the making with the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship winning programs going head to head for another of the 67 meetings between the two HBCUS.

This game will be the 10th Annual W.C. Gorden Classic. Grambling State, the defeating SWAC Western Division Champions, is coming off a 49-21 lost to Alcorn State University. The G-Men Tigers have 15 returning starters on offense and defense.

GSU leads the series over JSU (42-24-1). Last year, JSU fell to Grambling 59-27 at the Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. Grambling enters this game with an overall record of 1-1, with one loss coming from The University of Arizona of the Football Bowl Subdivision.

After a 31-21 loss in week two, the G-Men defeated Virginia Lynchburg 72-12 in week one. Although Grambling came close to beating the Wildcats of Arizona in Tucson, AZ., last Saturday on PAC 12 Network, the Grambling Tigers shocked the world with 21-3 lead at halftime.

Arizona State scored four touchdowns to rally back for victory.  Ole Miss transfer junior QB DeVante Kincade had a amazing game with 15 of 19 passes for 193 and two passing touchdowns and rushing yards for 11 yards on 7 carries. JSU should also watch out for first team All-SWAC junior RB Martez Carter who scored two home run touchdowns in last year’s meeting.

In 2014, Grambling defeated Jackson State 40-35. In, 2013 Jackson State defeated Grambling State 1-0 due to a player protest, which forced a game forfeiture for JSU’s homecoming game.

In order to begin conference play on a good note and beat Grambling, JSU must continue the balanced offensive attack. JSU’s offensive line must provide protection for Ivy and create holes for Bates And Johnson, who hasn’t had a 100-yard rushing game this season.

Also Williams, who leads the team in receiving yards and catches, must continue his streak of effective games to provide big plays for JSU. Other JSU wide receivers need to step up and make big plays down the field.

The W.C. Gordon Classic will be broadcast live on ESPNU and live radio coverage on 95.5 FM. The game will be the first home game at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss. at 6 p.m.