Having their kicks (and blocks and returns): Grambling special teams paves way for Bayou Classic victory

NEW ORLEANS -- After Southern scored the go-ahead touchdown with 5 minutes, 2 seconds left in the Bayou Classic, things didn't look good for Grambling.

There was plenty of time left, but Southern's defense had forced a Grambling punt on four of the previous five Tigers' possessions up to that point.

However, Calief Samon, a junior, returned the Jaguars' ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the Southern 40, setting up Grambling's winning touchdown in what became a 30-21 victory with that 10-point spurt after falling behind 21-20.

“We were very dominant in the kicking game,” Tigers coach Broderick Fobbs said. “I thought it was the deciding factor in the game.

"We blocked a kick, they missed a kick because of our pressure, we ran a kickoff back across the 50. We were able to flip the field with a punt return. And, then we had (three) touchbacks (two on kickoffs)."



CONTINUE READING