Grambling hopes for different result against Alcorn
When it has counted the most, Alcorn State has risen to the occasion, winning the biggest game the past two seasons in capturing two consecutive SWAC championships at NRG Stadium.
A year ago, the Braves routed Grambling State 49-21 for the title, avenging a regular-season overtime loss to the Tigers.
And for the second consecutive year, Alcorn and Grambling meet again to determine the conference champion. And just like 2015, Grambling won the regularseason game between the two. The Tigers prevailed 43-18 in September.
“We understand that they have back-to-back championships,” Grambling safety Guy Stallworth said. “We can’t come in with the attitude that we are 9-0 (in conference), we’ve beaten them before. We’ve got to come with the mindset that we haven’t won a championship. We’re focused and excited about the game.”
Winners of the Eastern Division, the Braves (55) come into Saturday’s 3 p.m. kickoff as underdogs to Western Division champion Grambling (9-1), winners of nine straight games and winners of 18 straight conference games over two seasons.
Grambling is rolling, coming off a 52-30 win over Southern in the Bayou Classic. Tigers quarterback Devante Kincade, the SWAC offensive player of the year, has passed for 2,638 yards with 28 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.
“Last year’s (Grambling) team was pretty good, but this year’s team, we’re good too,” said Stallworth, who along with Arkez Cooper, leads the team with 58 tackles. “This year’s team, we know what the hurt feels like to get to the championship, go undefeated in the SWAC, and to let it slip away out of our hands.
“This year’s team, we came into the offseason with the mindset that we’re going to get back to the SWAC championship and we’re going to expect a different outcome this time. A lot of guys, they have been motivated, being focused all year long to get back here. And we’re here in this position.”
Exciting brand of football
Saturday’s matchup is expected to be an exciting, fastpace brand of football. Both teams like to spread the ball around, run the ball as well, and play aggressively on defense. That’s SWAC football. A crowd of 40,352 attended last year’s championship game at NRG Stadium.
Statistically, Grambling leads the conference in scoring (44.0) and has allowed the fewest points per game (16.4). Offensively, the Tigers average the most yards (507.6) and passing yards (300.3). Kincade, who transferred from Ole Miss this season, is a big reason for the Tigers’ success.
“He’s been huge for our program and boosted our morale,” said Tigers coach Broderick Fobbs, the SWAC coach of the year. “He’s got guys interested in Grambling State with his play and what he’s accomplished.
“Any time you have a guy with his ability, other players want to play with him. It’s been a great season for us.”
Alcorn State, which beat Southern 38-24 here two years ago in the championship game, also has pair of talented quarterbacks. Noah Johnson, subbing for an injured Lenorris Footman, has accounted for 12 touchdowns in his past three games.
Footman is healthy, and first-year Alcorn State coach Fred McNair said it will be a game time decision on who will start at quarterback.
Johnson has passed for 1,116 yards in nine games. Footman has passed for 875 yards in six games. The Braves are averaging 417.9 yards per game.
“Our offense is solid,” said Footman, who directed last year’s win over Grambling. “We have a lot of playmakers on offense, so you just try to put the ball in the hole.”
Winning traditions
Both teams are talented, and the schools are accustomed to winning. Alcorn State is attempting to become the second school to win three straight SWAC championship games, joining the 2000-02 Grambling State Tigers, who last won the conference title game in 2011.
“It’s going to be some exciting SWAC football,” said McNair, in his first year as Braves coach after replacing Jay Hopson, who took over at Southern Miss. “From both ends, you’ll see a lot on display.
“You talk about something that has always been great, SWAC football. I enjoyed it when I was coming up, in the Jerry Rice days. Eddie Robinson days. It’ll be a great football game with the product the SWAC will put on the field.”