Grambling State Football Upset Victory Over Southern Jaguars Sparks Playoff Hopes

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Grambling State Football Game Recap
• Scoring Summary
• Season Context and Statistics
• Key Plays and Player Performance
• Looking Ahead
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Grambling State’s record after the win over Southern?
• Who was the MVP of the Grambling vs. Southern game?
• When is the SWAC championship game scheduled?

• Core Insight: Grambling State football rallied to defeat Southern Jaguars 31-27 on Saturday.
• Key Highlight: Quarterback Marcus Reed threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the second half.
• Actionable Advice: Fans should watch the upcoming conference championship game on Dec 5 for a potential title run.

NEW ORLEANS, LA, NOV 1 — Grambling State University’s Tigers defeated Southern University’s Jaguars 31-27 in a conference showdown on Saturday, securing a spot in the SWAC championship. The victory, driven by a 75-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, answered questions about the team’s offensive consistency and defensive adjustments.

Grambling State Football Game Recap

The Tigers opened with a 3-0 lead after a safety on the opening drive. Southern responded with a 10-3 advantage before halftime. In the second half, Grambling’s offense exploded, scoring 28 unanswered points. Marcus Reed’s 285 passing yards and three TDs, coupled with running back Jalen Brooks’ 112 rushing yards, turned the tide.

Scoring Summary

| Quarter | Grambling State | Southern University | |---------|----------------|---------------------| | 1 | 3 (Safety) | 0 | | 2 | 0 | 10 (Touchdown, FG) | | 3 | 14 (TD, FG) | 7 (TD) | | 4 | 14 (TD, FG) | 10 (TD, FG) | | **Total** | **31** | **27** |

Season Context and Statistics

Grambling enters the game with a 5-2 record, ranking third in the SWAC West. The win improves its conference tally to 4-1, matching the Jaguars’ 4-1 record but giving Grambling the tiebreaker via head‑to‑head. Defensive stats show the Tigers allowing 22.5 points per game, a 2.3‑point improvement from last season.

Key Plays and Player Performance

- **Marcus Reed (QB):** 22/30, 285 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT. - **Jalen Brooks (RB):** 18 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD. - **DeAndre Harris (CB):** 2 interceptions, including the game‑changing pick at the 45‑yard line.

Looking Ahead

Head coach Deon McCarty praised the “second‑half adjustments” and confirmed the team will focus on ball security ahead of the SWAC championship on Dec 5 against Alcorn State. Athletic director Lisa Harper announced a ticket promotion for alumni, citing a projected attendance increase of 12% over last year’s championship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grambling State’s record after the win over Southern?

Grambling improves to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in SWAC play, securing the West division tiebreaker.

Who was the MVP of the Grambling vs. Southern game?

Quarterback Marcus Reed earned MVP honors for his 285 passing yards and three second‑half touchdowns.

When is the SWAC championship game scheduled?

The SWAC championship is set for December 5, 2026, at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.