STWF Sports| LORMAN, Miss. Nov. 15, 2025 — In a matchup loaded with SWAC West implications, Alcorn State delivered a clutch fourth-quarter performance to hand Grambling State a 27–16 defeat on Saturday afternoon at Spinks-Casem Stadium. Behind a powerful ground game led by running back Reggie Davis, the Braves extended their strong finish to the season while snapping Grambling’s four-game winning streak and tightening the race in one of the SWAC’s most competitive divisions.

Davis—who has been the identity of Alcorn State’s offense all season—turned in one of his most timely performances, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, including the game-clinching score in the final minutes. His second touchdown, a 1-yard plunge with 4:50 to play, capped an authoritative 11-play, 75-yard drive that drained the clock and put the Braves ahead 21–16, a lead they would not surrender.

That drive showcased everything Alcorn State (5–6, 4–3 SWAC) did well on the afternoon: physical running, disciplined offensive balance, and smart, controlled quarterback play from Jaylon Tolbert, who finished 23-of-30 for 167 yards while managing the game with poise.

The Braves’ defense responded immediately after the go-ahead touchdown, forcing Grambling State (7–4, 4–3 SWAC) into a turnover on downs near midfield. Although the Tigers’ defense held on the next series to get the ball back with three seconds remaining, desperation proved costly. Grambling’s final play ended in disaster, as Eric Thomas scooped up a fumble and raced into the end zone as time expired—sealing the win and punctuating Alcorn State’s resilient performance.

Alcorn Strikes Early, Grambling Responds

Alcorn State opened the scoring when Jacorian Sewell powered in for an 8-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter. Grambling, which struggled to find rhythm offensively, stayed within reach thanks to the reliability of kicker Theodore Caballero, who connected on field goals of 29 and 27 yards.

The Tigers’ best highlight came late in the third quarter. With Alcorn threatening to pull away, Tyrell Raby pounced on a loose ball and returned it 10 yards for a defensive touchdown, swinging momentum and giving Grambling a 16–14 lead entering the fourth.

But Grambling’s offense never found its footing. Freshman quarterback Hayden Benoit, coming off a four-touchdown breakout the previous week, faced tighter coverage and relentless pressure from the Braves’ front. Benoit finished 16-of-33 for 142 yards with no touchdowns as Grambling averaged just 4.0 yards per play.

Davis Delivers in the Clutch

While both teams traded momentum throughout the afternoon, Davis provided the difference. His physical downhill style wore down Grambling’s front seven, and his ability to turn small creases into chain-moving gains allowed the Braves to control the game’s most important moments.

His second touchdown—punching in from the 1 after a clock-eating march—put Alcorn ahead for good and embodied the Braves’ dominance in time of possession and situational execution.

What This Means Moving Forward

For Alcorn State, the victory caps a late-season surge and showcases the program’s continued ability to thrive in tight, physical SWAC matchups. The Braves improved to 4–3 in conference play and once again played spoiler to a Grambling team fighting for positioning at the top of the division.

Grambling, meanwhile, falls to 7–4 overall and 4–3 in SWAC play, losing crucial ground in the West race after entering the weekend with championship game hopes still alive. The loss snaps the Tigers’ four-game winning streak and exposes areas that will need quick correction—particularly in offensive consistency—as they move toward season’s end.

Final Thoughts

With both teams entering at 4–3 in conference, Saturday’s clash lived up to expectations: physical, defensive-minded, and ultimately decided at the line of scrimmage. In the end, Alcorn State leaned on its biggest strength—the rushing attack and timely defensive play—to outlast Grambling and deliver one of its most complete performances of the season.

For Grambling, the mission shifts to regrouping and finishing strong. For Alcorn, the win serves as a powerful statement: in November, the Braves still know how to rise.