DALLAS -- Ju’Anthony Parker’s interception of a Geremy Hickbottom pass at the two-yard line with 1:42 remaining in the game sealed a thrilling 22-16 victory for Prairie View A&M over Grambling State in the State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl. The win ended a 25-game SWAC winning streak for Grambling State. PVAMU quarterback Jalen Morton was the offensive star for the Panthers as he completed 23-of-34 passes with three touchdowns and one interception. Morton also gained 75 yards on the ground on 13 carries. Dawonya Tucker, who entered the game as the leading rusher in the FCS, contributed 78 yards on the ground on 19 carries. Tucker also had an 80-yard touchdown reception for the Panthers. 

SUFFOCATING AGAINST THE RUN

The Prairie View A&M defense entered the game knowing they needed to limit a Grambling State rushing attack that entered averaging 188 rushing yards per game. The Panthers were up to the task as they limited the Tigers to only 42 yards rushing on 32 carries, and limited the Grambling State offense to only 3.3 yards per play. Willie Green was the star defensively as he recorded eight tackles, three sacks, and three and a half tackles for loss. The Prairie View A&M defense made life uncomfortable all night for both quarterbacks from Grambling State as they recorded nine sacks and 14 tackles for loss. 

STREAK BUSTERS

Prairie View A&M handed Grambling State their first SWAC loss since 2014. Prairie View A&M also took a giant step towards winning the SWAC West Division and competing in the SWAC championship game in Birmingham, Ala. on Dec. 1. PVAMU will be trying to make their first appearance in the SWAC championship game since 2009. This is the first victory for PVAMU against Grambling State since 2013. This also marks the first win for Prairie View A&M against Grambling State head coach Broderick Fobbs. Panthers head coach Eric Dooley picks up a victory in his debut game against Grambling State where he spent his last four years as an assistant coach.

HOME SWEET HOME

With today’s win Prairie View A&M concludes their season-opening six-game road trip. PVAMU will return to Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field in two weeks for four of their five remaining games. The Panthers will face their two toughest opponents remaining on their schedule over their next two games. PVAMU will host Southern on Oct. 13, before facing their toughest remaining challenge when Alcorn State visits on Oct. 27. The lone road game remaining for Prairie View A&M will be at Jackson State on Nov. 3.