Grambling State uses turnovers to top Alabama A&M

Box Score HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Connell Maynor watched while shaking his head as Devanir Martin raced down the sideline.

It was the second interception of the day that a Grambling State defender returned for a touchdown — a theme that essentially determined the game's outcome.

Grambling State capitalized on four turnovers as the Tigers topped Alabama A&M 29-16 Saturday afternoon at Louis Crews Stadium.
"Turnovers killed us," said Maynor, who is in his first season as Alabama A&M's football coach. "We threw two pick sixes. That accounted for 14 points, and we lost by 13. That's your ballgame."

Alabama A&M (5-5) won every statistical except turnovers and points.

The Bulldogs finished with 402 yards of total offense, while Grambling State (6-4) had 340 total yards.

Turnovers were the difference.

Grambling State took the lead in the second quarter when Josh McWilliams returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown.

Grambling State capitalized on another turnover when the Tigers recovered an Aqeel Glass fumble at the Alabama A&M 18-yard line. Three plays later, Geremy Hickbottom threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to stretch the Tigers' lead to 17-10 before halftime.

Martin returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, giving Grambling State a 17-point lead.

"We made too many mistakes," Maynor said. "You can make mistakes like what happened today and expect to win."

Glass threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Marceles Clash early in the first quarter, and Dylan Smith ran for a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Glass finished with 149 passing yards, completing 16 of 28 attempts with three interceptions. Smith led Alabama A&M on the ground with 70 yards on 10 carries.

Octayvious Miles caught six passes for 95 yards.

Alabama A&M travels to Mississippi Valley next Saturday to close out the season.

"We've got to regroup and bounce back," Maynor said. "This team has a chance to finish with its first winning season since 2012. That's important. So now it's time to go back to work and finish the season out the right way."

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Players Mentioned

#4 Aqeel Glass: QB; 6' 5"; Sophomore

#8 Octayvious Miles: WR; 5' 10"; Senior

#9 Dylan Smith: QB; 6' 3"; Junior

#21 Marceles Clash: WR; 6' 1"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#4 Aqeel Glass
: 6' 5"; Sophomore
: QB

#8 Octayvious Miles
: 5' 10"; Senior
: WR

#9 Dylan Smith
: 6' 3"; Junior
: QB

#21 Marceles Clash
: 6' 1"; Senior
: WR