The Grambling Tigers have consistently shown signs of life and improvement in their last two games. That’s most likely the reason Coach Hue Jackson decided to put the iconic Grambling G back on the helmets of his players. It also seems that they have found their starting QB as freshman QB Julian Calvez led the charge the entire way in this game against Florida A&M, on all but one play. Calvez left the game with 14 completions on 36 attempts for 149 yards. He also led the team in rushing with 113 yards on the ground. Their dynamic running back Maurice Washington, who has shown speed and playmaking ability, was also healthy this week. Although, he must be on a play count at this point, as he was only given 6 attempts, which he took for 20 yards. Nevertheless, at the end of the ball game the story remains the same, Grambling State falls short. Over the course of the last 5 games, Grambling has lost to Jackson State, Bethune-Cookman, Prairie View, Alabama A&M, and now Florida A&M. That leaves them winless in the SWAC, and 1-6 on the season.
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Florida A&M had a great game plan, get the ball to the X-Man, Xavier Smith came into this game leading the SWAC in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs (54 receptions, 609 yards, and 7 TDs). Although FAMU’s quarterback Jeremy Moussa peppered him with target early in the game, it was actually wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread that gave Grambling’s defense the most trouble, he left the game totaling 8 receptions for 106 yards. FAMU attacked through the air for a large portion of the game. Grambling’s defense was quite stout against the run holding FAMUs leading rushing Jaylen McCloud to well under 100 yards rushing on the day.
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The game was back and forth between the two historic programs, and came down to the last drive of the game. Though Grambling’s offense stalled at times, penalties on FAMU kept them alive, this happened throughout the contest. With under a minute left in the 4th Quarter, Grambling was down by 4 points, but had the ball deep in FAMU territory. Grambling stayed in the game because of good defensive and special teams play. FAMUs blunders on special teams led to 14 points for Grambling. However, with the game on the line Calvez was unable to deliver GSU their first home win of the season. FAMU walked away winning the contest 20-16. Both Grambling and FAMU will have the week off next week before they gear up for the last 4 games of their season which includes the all important Bayou Classic for Grambling State.
