A Classic Matchup
In the 2022 edition of the W.C. Gorden Classic, Jackson State survived a slow start in the first half, to ultimately outlast a resurgent Grambling State University program in SWAC football’s marquee Tiger vs. Tiger showdown.
Off the field, the ‘Primetime charisma’ that made Deion Sanders one of the most electrifying players in NFL history, and a star during his time on network television, has helped his transformation into one of the most influential voices in college football. Coach Sanders has used his uniquely wide-reaching platform to bring attention to under-discussed issues ranging from “money game” culture in college football to the questionable business practices of some HBCU administrations, to the implementation of Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) legislation. Entering into his third season, “Coach Prime” has shifted the entire Black College football universe, positioning Jackson, Mississippi, at the center of it. Meanwhile on the field, led by a younger Sanders (who happens to be the 2021 FCS National Freshman of the Year), the Tigers of JSU sit comfortably at the top of the SWAC, with all the momentum of a downhill freight train.
Meanwhile, as one of the historic brands in HBCU culture, Grambling State is also trending up. Boosted by the arrival of long-time NFL veteran Hugh Jackson from Tennessee State, GSU Tigers Football entered this season with hopes of a renaissance from the once proud program. Starting quarterback Quaterius Hawkins was near perfect in GSU’s last contest, throwing for thirteen completions, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, in a winning effort that featured a completion by Freshman Julian Calvez of Orlando.
A Brief Recap
In the first half, JSU managed to score on the ground, courtesy of runs by Shedeur Sanders and Sy’veon Wilkerson; and a Dallas Daniels touchdown reception. Grambling State’s Maurice Washington retaliated with a 73 yard run, and score; followed by a huge sack, and score by the defensive tandem of Sundiata Anderson and Bryan Powell. Both offenses struggled in the first two periods, with GSU defense and special teams’ effort stifling the high-octane Sander’s offense of Jackson State, ahead of halftime.
Second half action of the game favored Jackson State. Momentum shifting touchdown strikes to Dallas Daniels, Willie Gaines; and a Alvin Brumfield scoring run put the game away for JSU. Credit to Grambling States’ Lyndon Rash for closing the gap to 59-24, in the final minutes of regulation.
“That’s not tradition.”
Coach Prime wasn’t satisfied with his team’s first-half performance, and he wasn’t happy with the crowd at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in JSU’s 66-24 win.
“The Jackson turnout was phenomenal,” Sanders said. “The Grambling turn out was pathetic.”
“We always talking ‘we got y’all and we’re for the culture. Where they at? Then when we get up by two touchdowns, they runnin’ for the cars. That’s what I mean by this ‘tradition’ mess? Tradition, what tradition? When a team gets up on you leave? When we got up on FAM, the band left? That’s not tradition. That’s what’s got to change.”
Despite Coach Prime’s scathing review of the GSU fan base, and scotching of the GSU football team; Grambling and Jackson State have played seventy-one times, with Grambling leading the series all-time, 47-23-1.
