GRAMBLING, La. – Grambling State continues to find ways to win close games, and Saturday night at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium was no different. Quarterback C’zavian Teasett accounted for two touchdowns, and Clyde McClendon Jr. scored the decisive 1-yard plunge with under two minutes left to lift the Tigers to a dramatic 31-28 comeback victory over East Texas A&M.

The Tigers (3-1) shook off a sluggish start that left them trailing by two scores late in the first half before rallying with a balanced offensive attack and clutch defensive stands. The Lions (0-3), coming off an early-season gauntlet, nearly spoiled Grambling’s homecoming momentum but could not finish in crunch time.

Early Deficit

East Texas A&M quieted the home crowd early with a pair of quick strikes. EJ Oakmon capped a methodical opening march with a 7-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Eric Rodriguez connected with Brycen Davis from three yards out to extend the lead to 14-0 midway through the second quarter.

Grambling’s offense, bottled up for most of the half, finally showed life in the closing minute. Teasett marched the Tigers 63 yards in just three plays, highlighted by a strike down the seam, before finding Covadis Knighten on an 11-yard touchdown pass with 59 seconds remaining. The score cut the deficit to 14-7 and shifted the momentum heading into halftime.

Trading Punches

The Tigers opened the second half with a defensive stand that proved pivotal. After East Texas A&M drove inside the 5-yard line, Grambling’s front stuffed Oakmon on fourth-and-goal. Teasett immediately capitalized, muscling into the end zone on a 1-yard keeper to even the game at 14-14.

The Lions responded with a 26-yard touchdown connection between Rodriguez and Jaden Proctor, briefly regaining control at 21-14. But Grambling had an answer of its own. Running back Byron Eaton Jr. electrified the crowd with a 54-yard sprint through the heart of the Lions’ defense, pulling the Tigers even once more.

The back-and-forth battle continued into the fourth quarter. JaiSean McMillian capped a methodical East Texas A&M drive with a 6-yard scoring run to push the Lions ahead 28-21. Grambling stayed within reach when Theodore Caballero drilled a 41-yard field goal with 10:54 remaining, cutting the deficit to 28-24.

Clutch Drive Seals It

With time winding down, Teasett orchestrated the Tigers’ most impressive drive of the night. Starting from their own 23, Grambling methodically marched 77 yards in 12 plays. Teasett mixed in short completions and designed runs to move the chains, setting up McClendon Jr. for a 1-yard plunge that gave the Tigers their first lead of the game with 1:56 left.

East Texas A&M refused to fold, driving across midfield and into field-goal range in the closing seconds. But kicker Ozlo Rigby’s 52-yard attempt drifted wide as time expired, sending the Grambling sideline and the 5,025 in attendance into celebration.

By the Numbers

Grambling was outgained 352-321 in total yardage but averaged nearly six yards per play, capitalizing on explosive moments to keep pace. Eaton Jr. paced the rushing attack with 69 yards, including his highlight 54-yard touchdown burst. McClendon Jr. and Teasett also found the end zone on the ground, while Teasett added 179 passing yards and a touchdown through the air.

Wideout Tyson George led the Tigers with 59 receiving yards, while Knighten added the critical first-half score. On defense, Jamal Jordan registered a team-high eight tackles, and Warren Robinson produced a crucial sack late in the fourth quarter to help stymie East Texas A&M’s comeback bid.

Looking Ahead

The win gives Grambling State consecutive victories and momentum heading into one of its marquee matchups of the season. The Tigers now turn their attention to the annual State Fair Classic against Prairie View A&M at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, in what promises to be another fierce SWAC showdown.

For Grambling, Saturday’s narrow win was another example of resilience. Once again, the Tigers proved they can deliver in the clutch—and their season continues to trend upward.