By T. Scott Boatright
COMMERCE, Texas — Grambling State University saved its best for last Saturday as the Tigers rallied late to push the game into overtime before taking a 35-28 win at Texas A&M-Commerce.
The outcome marks the first time in seven years — since 2017 — that the Tigers have started the season at 2-1 after three games.
In a contest that stayed tight from start to finish, the Tigers had to storm back late in regulation to even have a chance at a win over TAMC.
But GSU wide receiver Nicholas Howard’s 27-yard scoring strike from quarterback Myles Crawley tied the contest at 28-28 with 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, setting up the Tigers’ opportunity for their fantastic overtime finish.
Grambling took the first offensive possession of overtime and faced a third-and-seven at the TAMC 23 when Crawley lofted a pass to running back Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove, a former Ruston High School standout, who hauled in the over-the-shoulder catch to give the Tigers a first-and-goal at the Lions’ five-yard line.
The Tigers then turned to running back Tre Bradford, who ran for two yards before powering his way three yards to the end zone to put Grambling on top by seven points as TAMC prepared to take its possession in the first overtime period.
That possession only lasted one play as TAMC quarterback Ron Peace was intercepted by GSU’s Patrick Marshall on first down, sending the G-Men into celebration mode.
Grambling opened scoring with a 35-yard fumble return by Blake Davis that left Grambling on top 6-0 at the 6:43 mark of the first quarter after Ryan Harradine’s point after touchdown kick attempt was blocked.
Texas A&M took the lead less than a minute later as BK Jackson broke free on a 69-yard scoring scamper and Luke Jackson followed by making his PAT try to put the Lions on top 7-6 with 6:02 remaining in the opening stanza.
Grambling regained the lead at the 12:56 mark of the second quarter as Crawley connected with Jacoby Ballazar on a 10-yard touchdown before those two connected again for a two-point conversion that put the Tigers on top 14–7.
But Jackson was back at it two and a half minutes later as he hit paydirt on a nine-yard run to tie the contest at 14-14 with 7:27 left in the first half, and the Lions moved in front by a touchdown at the 4:41 mark of the second quarter as JaiSean McMillian scored on a five-yard scamper.
Grambling sent the teams into the locker rooms at halftime tied at 21-21 after Bradford broke loose for a 41-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left in the first half.
The Lions battled back in front midway through the third quarter on a three-yard run by Braxton Garmon to move on top 28-21.
Grambling had a solid opportunity to tie the game again early in the fourth quarter, driving to the TAMC six-yard line before Hargrove fumbled the ball away to the Lions.
That had to have resulted in his key overtime reception being even sweeter after the Lincoln Parish product’s catch proved to be a source of redemption after the earlier fumble.
Grambling started its late fourth quarter scoring drive at its own 25-yard line with 3:41 remaining on the clock, with a 12-yard reception by Javon Robinson, a 13-yard run by Crawley, and a 22-yard pass from Crawley to Bradford setting up Howard’s late scoring catch that sent the game to overtime.
Crawley completed 14-of-30 pass attempts for 126 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Backup Deijay Bailey played one series early in the third quarter, completing one of two attempted passes for five yards.
Bradford topped the Tigers with 69 yards and his two scores on 14 carries while Hargrove carried the ball 11 times for 36 yards while adding three catches for 24 yards.
Covadis Knighten was Grambling’s top receiver, hauling in four passes for 29 yards.
Turnovers played a big role for the Tigers as they finished with six takeaways (four interceptions and two fumbles) compared to three for TAMC.
Penalties were once again at least somewhat of an issue for the Tigers, who were flagged 10 times for 66 yards.
Next up for Grambling will be a 6 p.m. home contest next Saturday against Jackson State, which stands at 2-1 after defeating Southern 33-15 on Saturday.
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