"Our kids are resilient. I think this speaks volumes for our coaching staff. It's not always going to be great. It's not always going to be pretty. But at the end of the day our kids are continuing to fight, and as long as they do that, they'll have a chance," said Broderick Fobbs.

Neither Grambling State (3-4 overall, 1-2 SWAC) nor Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-3, 2-2) were unable to advance towards scoring in their first drives due to incomplete and miscalculated passing.

On the Golden Lions second play drive, an interception by Jeremy Carter worked in favor of the Tigers, and awakened the scoring momentum for both teams.

Quarterback Geremy Hickbottom's pass to Lyndon Rash for 26 yards was complete, putting Grambling State in the red zone. A four-yard rush by Jakarie Nichols in the end zone gave the Tigers their first touchdown. Following the PAT by Miguel Mendez, the Tigers led; 7-0.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded with a touchdown of its own after Shannon Patrick's pass to DeJuan Miller for 17 yards was complete. Zack Piwniczka's kick was blocked by Koby Foster, leaving Grambling State with the lead of the game by one point, 7-6; with 4:26 remaining in the first quarter.

In the next Arkansas-Pine Bluff drive, Grambling State was able to score again, with a team safety, after Taeyler Porter was rushed for a loss of two yards into the UAPB end zone by Kenan Fontenot and David Freeman. The Tigers now held a small, but three point advantage over the Golden Lions.

The Grambling State lead did not last long, as Arkansas-Pine Bluff answered and scored after Porter rushed one yard for a touchdown. The PAT was no good, and the updated score gave the Golden Lions a 12-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers turned around and reclaimed the lead as Hickbottom rushed for 14 yard touchdown. Mendez's kick was unsuccessful, but Grambling State was up; 15-12 with 11:52 remaining in the second quarter.

Before the half, Grambling State decided to extend their lead a little bit more; this time by 10 (22-12) after Hickbottom's pass to Rash for 31 yards was complete followed by Mendez's PAT. 

The Golden Lions closed in on the 10-point deficit after Patrick's pass to Miller for 24 yards connected. Piwniczka's kick was good, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff only trailed by 3; 22-19, with only a few minutes left in the quarter.

At the half, Grambling State held onto their lead and Hickbottom was 12-of-21 for 164 yards in passing, while Patrick led the Golden Lions in passing with 166. Deuntae Youngblood of GSU and Zion Farmer of UAPB both tallied six tackles.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff exited the locker room with a different attitude, and it showed in its next drive, as Patrick's pass to Harry Ballard was complete for a five-yard touchdown. The PAT was good, and the Golden Lions led; 26-22.

Grambling State, unwilling to accept an early defeat, responded with a touchdown of their own after Hickbottom's pass was complete to Kevin Dominique for 40 yards. Following the PAT, the Tigers were up; 29-26 with a 5:08 remaining in the third. 

It would be another eight minutes before the score was updated again; this time from a 34-yard field goal by Mendez, giving Grambling State a six point advantage; 32-26.

Turning Point

A 55-yard interception touchdown by Joseph McWilliams followed by a PAT gave Grambling State the 39-26 lead.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff was able to score one last time after Patrick's pass to Ballard for 24 yards was complete. With Piwniczka's PAT, the score was now 39-33.

Although Hickbottom's pass had been intercepted by Jordan Brown at the GRAM30, Wesley Green of Grambling State was alert and on time as he turned around and intercepted a pass with 57 seconds remaining in the game, sealing the winning fate for the Tigers.

Inside the Numbers

> Grambling State recorded 17 first downs

> The Tigers' rushing plays to yards ratio was 33:44 

> Grambling State tallied 248 passing yards

> GSU's total offense was 292 yards off 66 plays

> Geremy Hickbottom finished the night with 248 passing yards

> Xavier Lodge tallied 10 tackles

> Arkansas-Pine Bluff registered 20 first downs

> The Golden Lions' rushing plays to yards ratio was 40:148 

> Arkansas- Pine Bluff recorded 300 passing yards

> UAPB's total offense was 448 yards off 75 plays

> Shannon Patrick tallied 300 passing yards

> Jaylen Thigpen registered eight tackles

Up Next

Conference play for Grambling State will continue on Saturday, Nov. 2 (Homecoming) against Texas Southern University at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Kick off is set for 2 p.m.

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