Tigers
Preview
Final Score: Grambling State 31, Bethune-Cookman 23 | Spread: GSU -7.5 (Covers) | Total: 50.5 (Over Hits)
GRAMBLING, La. — Bettors backing Grambling State (-7.5) got the job done on Saturday afternoon, as the Tigers outlasted Bethune-Cookman 31–23 at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. The win not only secured Grambling’s first winning season since 2019 but also delivered a nice payout for those who trusted the home favorite.
With the combined 54 points, the Over 50.5 also cashed, making this SWAC matchup one of the more profitable afternoon plays on the board.
First Half: Early Scoring Bonanza
The opening half provided instant action for total bettors. Grambling capitalized on a Bethune-Cookman fumble deep in Wildcats territory, cashing the first-quarter Over (10.5) in less than nine minutes. Theodore Caballero’s 23-yard field goal and a 38-yard touchdown strike from Hayden Benoit to Andrew Frazier gave the Tigers an early 10–0 lead, delighting Grambling first-half spread bettors (-4.5).
Bethune-Cookman quickly responded as Timmy McClain ran in an 11-yard score to trim the deficit, and later found Maleek Huggins for a 61-yard bomb that helped push the first-half total Over with ease.
However, Benoit had an answer for every Wildcats surge. The freshman quarterback connected on a pair of first-half touchdown passes — including a 59-yarder to Nae’Saan Dickerson and a 5-yard score to Patrick Williams II — as Grambling took a 24–20 halftime lead, covering both the first-half spread and Over (26.5).
At intermission, both teams had already combined for 44 points, meaning full-game Over bettors could start counting their winnings before the bands took the field.
Second Half: Defense and Discipline Seal the Deal
After a wild first half, the pace slowed considerably, but Grambling bettors had little reason to sweat. The Tigers’ defense tightened up, holding Bethune-Cookman to just three second-half points while controlling time of possession.
Benoit’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Keith Jones Jr. midway through the fourth quarter put Grambling ahead 31–20, putting the Tigers comfortably past the number and giving moneyline bettors (-300) an easy win.
Bethune-Cookman kicker Juan Dominguez added a late field goal to cut the deficit to eight, but the Wildcats couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing Grambling to drain the clock and seal the cover.
Player Prop Results
Bettors who tailed Hayden Benoit’s passing props and Nae’Saan Dickerson’s receiving lines cleaned up as well:
| Player Prop | Line | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayden Benoit Passing Yards | O/U 210.5 | 220 Yards | ✅ Over |
| Benoit Passing TDs | O/U 2.5 | 4 TDs | ✅ Over |
| Nae’Saan Dickerson Receiving Yards | O/U 55.5 | 59 Yards | ✅ Over |
| Keith Jones Jr. Anytime TD | +170 | 1 TD | ✅ Cash |
| Grambling Team Total Points | O/U 28.5 | 31 | ✅ Over |
Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman quarterback Timmy McClain also delivered for Over bettors on his prop card, tossing for 224 yards (Over 205.5) and two total touchdowns.
Stat Recap
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Total Yards: Grambling 417 | Bethune-Cookman 327
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Passing Yards: Grambling 220 | Bethune-Cookman 224
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Rushing Yards: Grambling 197 | Bethune-Cookman 103
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Third Downs: GSU 6-of-12 | BCU 5-of-14
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Turnovers: Grambling 0 | Bethune-Cookman 2
Grambling’s ability to finish drives made the difference — the Tigers went 3-for-3 in red-zone scoring, all touchdowns, while Bethune-Cookman had to settle for field goals on multiple trips.
Betting Takeaways
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✅ Grambling State (-7.5) covers with an 8-point win.
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✅ Over 50.5 cashes with room to spare (54 total points).
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✅ Grambling First Half (-4.5) hits.
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✅ Benoit props (Yards & TDs) both sail Over.
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🚫 Bethune-Cookman ML (+275) never in play after halftime.
Grambling improved to 5–1 ATS at home this season and has now hit the Over in three of its last four games. The Tigers’ offense is peaking at the right time, averaging 29.8 points per game over their last five contests.
Next Up
Grambling State travels to Alcorn State next Saturday for a key SWAC matchup that could further boost their postseason hopes. Early lines project the Tigers as slight underdogs (+3.5) on the road.
For Bethune-Cookman, a disappointing road loss pushes them to 5–5 overall, likely eliminating them from title contention, but they’ll return home next week to close out the season against Florida A&M.
