BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Performing with a steely sense of urgency, Grambling State grabbed control of the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game Saturday at Legion Field — and never let go. Big plays in every phase of the contest fueled Grambling’s sweeping dominance. The ruthless defense showed the way early with a takeaway on Jackson State’s opening drive — the first of five turnovers for the rattled Mississippi Tigers. Grambling turned the miscue into points, following its season-long script to a 41-9 win and the 22nd SWAC championship in school history.“Coming into the season, everyone underestimated us,” said David Stuckman, who provided a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter. “But the coaches stressed the little things. Little things win championships.” Grambling (11-2) improved to 5-1 in SWAC championship games. The Tigers also won the title game in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2005. The win avenged a 42-31 loss to Jackson State in 2007. “Winning the championship is big for us,” said Carroll product Desmond Lenard. “We worked all year just to play this game. Words can’t explain the way I feel right now.”
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Attendance: 25,873 --Birmingham, AL Legion Field
