Jackson State football’s defense dominates vs. Grambling State

3.  Grambling was overwhelmed

Head coach Hugh Jackson had to know that his Tigers had to play nearly a flawless game if they were to have any chance to defeat Jackson State. Grambling State was far from perfect. Maurice Washington scored on a 73-yard touchdown run, but the G-Men struggled to sustain drives, often hurting themselves with penalties or turnovers.

Grambling’s opening drive ended with a fumble which Jackson State converted into a touchdown. Their third drive ended in an interception, which resulted in another JSU touchdown. Jackson State converted turnovers into points, something that could not happen if you are Grambling.

The offense struggled to block Jackson State all game. Grambling averaged only 4.4 yards per play. Though Grambling ran for 122 yards, 73 of those yards came on one play. Take away the one big run; GSU has 49 yards on 23 rush attempts. The passing game was as inefficient as the running game.

Quarterback Quaterius Hawkins completed 12-30 passes for 122 yards and two interceptions. Hawkins was harassed all game by the Jackson State pass rush, but he also missed some makeable throws. When your margins are small — and Grambling’s margins were small — you have to make a high number of plays.

If there is any consolation, Jackson State will do this to many teams this fall.