Hampton 27, Grambling State 26, OT

September 2, 2006

BIRMIMGHAM, Ala. - A blocked PAT attempt in overtime proved to be the difference as the Hampton University Pirates captured a 27-26 victory over Grambling State in the second annual Ford MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Birmingham, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Legion Field.

After falling behind 7-0 in the first quarter, Grambling State's Brandon Landers overcame a shaky start and guided the team on an 11-play, 78-yard drive that was capped off by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Clyde Edwards at the 6:38 mark of the first quarter.

Two possessions later, Hampton responded and went ahead 10-7 after a 47-yard field goal by Andrew Paterini with 14:01 remaining in the second quarter. Even though the Tiger offense continued to struggle throughout the quarter, the defensive unit remained steady as they recorded a blocked field goal (Jason Banks) and forced Hampton to punt twice to close out the first half.

After a few halftime adjustments on offense, Grambling State opened the second half with a bang and used the backfield tandem of Ab Kuuan and Landry Carter to move into Pirate territory in seven plays. Several plays later with the Tigers facing a 3rd-and-14 situation, Landers connected with Birmingham native Henry Tolbert on a 29-yard scoring strike to put GSU up 14-10 with 9:21 left in the third quarter. Ahead for the first time in the game, the Tiger defense forced Hampton to a three-and-out on the following possession and GSU's offense responded in a big way when Landers found newcomer LaKeldrick Bridges for a 51-yard touchdown pass. A blocked PAT by Hampton kept the game within reach as GSU remained ahead 20-10.

Hampton turned to its rushing attack on the following drive and rode the back of running back Van Morgan's 44 rushing yards to move into Tiger territory. However, HU's offense fizzled after Morgan's performance as they were held to a field goal to get within one touchdown at 20-13 with 2:43 left in the game. After a GSU punt on its following possession, Hampton threatened to tie the contest by driving to the Tigers' 39-yard line. However, junior defensive back Bryan Langford recorded a key interception at the 34-yard line to turn back Hampton. With the momentum on their side, the Tigers failed to take advantage as they were forced to punt on the following drive. However, Hampton gave Grambling State a gift as defensive back Jeffery Jack forced a Jeremy Gilchrist fumble which was recovered by linebacker Keefe Hall at the Pirate's four-yard line.

Needing only four yards to paydirt, Hampton's defense stepped up and kept GSU out of the endzone on the next drive. They were rewarded for their efforts on fourth down when Calvin Bannister blocked a Tim Manual field goal which would have given GSU a two-possession lead.

With the momentum shifting back to Hampton, the Pirates drove 61 yards in 11 plays to get into scoring position. However, GSU's David Hicks made a huge defensive play on 4th-and-2 to give GSU possession of the ball. Unfortunately, things didn't stay rosy for long as the Tigers fumbled the ball at their 20 on the following possession and HU responded with a nine-yard touchdown pass and the extra point to tie the game at 20-all with 1:10 remaining.

Grambling State drove 44 yards down the field with less than a minute remaining to get into field goal range but the game went into overtime after Manual's 44-yard field goal sailed wide left.

The Pirates opened overtime and put GSU on the ropes early as TJ Mitchell found Kevin Beverly for a 10-yard strike. On GSU's possession, Landers completed a huge 10-yard pass to Tolbert on 3rd-and-7 to keep the drive alive. On the following play, Landers found Tim Abney alone in the endzone to get within one point but a blocked PAT by HU put an end to the game.

For the game, Hampton accounted for 412 (215 R, 203 P) total offensive yards while Grambling State amassed 305 (273 P, 32 R) yards. Landers completed 21-of-41 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns while Bridges caught six receptions for 94 yards. Defensively, linebacker Dimitri Carr and safety Zaire Wilborn led the Tigers with seven tackles apiece.