Grambling State Tops Tennessee State in BCFHOF Classic

Junior quarterback Elijah Walker sprinted 4 yards around right end to cap a short scoring drive after a blocked punt, giving Grambling State a lead it wouldn’t relinquish in a 16-10 victory Sunday over Tennessee State in the second Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.

A crowd of 14,682 fans watched the season opener for both teams at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The game marked the coaching debut for Eddie George at Tennessee State.

Walker was chosen the game’s offensive Most Valuable Player. He accounted for the game’s first touchdown with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jaye Patrick in the second quarter that gave Grambling a 7-3 lead.

Freshman Devon Starling’s 3-yard scoring run capped a 13-play drive on Tennessee State’s first possession of the second half for a 10-7 TSU lead. The drive consumed more than 6 minutes of the third quarter.

Starling led all rushers with 88 yards on 18 carries.

Tennessee State moved the ball successfully all afternoon, with a 230-184 advantage in total yards but hurt itself with 18 penalties that cost the Tigers 150 yards.

More details from the game are available at the Grambling State and Tennessee State football websites.