BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The Grambling State University Tigers' winning streak and charm seemed to have disappeared in the first half of the 2011 Farmers Insurance SWAC Championship Presented by Toyota. GSU's defense exploded in the second half to edge past the Bulldogs of Alabama A & M University 16-15.

The Bulldogs took first possession and an 11 yard run by Kaderius Lacey put six on the board; the extra point by Chance Wilson was blocked.  In the second quarter, Alabama A&M's Deaunte Mason delivered 36 yard pass to Terrence Pride for six. Wilson's kick was no good. However, with 3:52 remaining in the half, Wilson nailed a 34 yard field goal. Zoltan Riazzo landed a 27 yard field goal to finally get the Tigers on the scoreboard. The score at halftime was 15-3.

The third quarter saw a spectacular 80 yard pass from D.J. Williams to Mario Louis for six. Riazzo's kick failed. Behind by six going into the fourth the Tigers were clawing back.

Jacarde Carter notched 66 yards on a fumble recovery (12:27) and Riazzo's extra point split the uprights to take the Tigers up 16-15.

Scoring ended there but the opportunities for both sides did not. Cliff Exama's interception dashed the Bulldogs' hopes of taking the Eddie Robinson Trophy back to Huntsville.

David Stuckman and Bruna' Foster led the Tigers' defense with 6.5 tackles. Stuckman had six solo and one assist, while Foster had five solo and three assists. Naquan Smith and Exama had 6.0 and Trey Williams added 5.5. Smith and Exama both had five solo and two assists. Williams had four solo and three assists.

Exama said, “No one will ever forget this team. After going 1-4, no one imagined us being SWAC Champions today.”

-GSU-