Grambling at Pittsburgh Wrap

In Grambling’s 34-10 defeat to Pittsburgh there were some things that Grambling did well, and a few that went wrong. Here is a quick look at the five in both categories.

What they did wrong…

1. Turnovers.
Brandon Landers threw three interceptions; Tim Manuel had a punt blocked and as a result Pittsburgh scored 17 points off three of those plays. In facing a FBS school, Grambling did what they absolutely couldn’t afford to do, which was turn the ball over. Grambling should been holding on to the ball as tight as a refund check!

2. HORRIBLE play calling in the Red Zone.
Four trips to the red zone and Grambling only came away with 3 points. Entering into this game, Grambling knew if the opportunity presented itself to score, then they must score! However, for some odd reason the play calling didn’t indicate that. Grambling went EXTREMLY conservative in the red zone. It almost seemed as if some type of fear was there.

3. Penalties
Now Grambling has never really been the most disciplined team when it comes to this category. So the fact that they committed 14 penalties for 108 yards really isn’t surprising. However, it was when they committed the penalties; that really caused Rod Broadways face to consistently frown.

4. Didn’t utilize their strengths
Entering into the game, one of Pitt’s primary concerns was Grambling’s speed. Grambling’s receivers proved Pitt’s theory to be correct; the problem was that Grambling didn’t expose that deficiency. Part of the blame goes to play calling and it can also be placed on Brandon Landers as well. Many times throughout the game, Landers had Tim Abney, Reginal Jackson and Clyde Edwards open, but wasn’t able to get the ball to them. Landers’ has a tendency to lock in on one receiver for particular routes, instead of scanning the field. This is something that needs to get fixed for Grambling to reclaim the conference title.

5. Didn’t lay it out on the line
For every player on that team with NFL aspirations, they will be heavily judged on how they fared against higher competition. Many players performed as if this was just an ordinary game, the unfortunate part was it wasn’t an ordinary game. If Grambling would have won, they would have received some major television coverage. It has been a long time since an HBCU has beaten a majority institution.





What they did right…

1. They Didn’t Panic
Grambling could have easily folded after Pittsburgh went up 21-0 in the first half. However, Grambling marched down the field and put together a six play, 54-yard drive, which was capped off by a 29 yard touchdown reception by Clyde Edwards from Brandon Landers. The Tigers would later add a field goal, to close the gap to 21-10.

2. The Defense
Grambling forced three turnovers, held Pittsburgh to 321 yards, and only allowed a field goal in the second half. Normally 321 yards isn’t considered a good day for a defense, but considering the fact that Alcorn State gained 255 yards and Pitt is ARMS AND SHOULDERS above Alcorn from a talent perspective, it wasn’t that bad. Pitt had only 2 drives of 50 yards or more that resulted in a touchdown. The Panthers scored 17 points on a short field. All of which were off turnovers, and the Tigers actually have impact players on Defense.

3. The True Freshmen may be the Truth!
Cornelius Walker and Frank Warren both ran hard for the Tigers. Walker and Warren are both freshmen who have played beyond expectation early in the season so far. Walker gained 54 yards off 12 carries and averaged 4.5 yards per carry against Pitt. For both freshmen to have been as productive as they were, speaks volumes about their potential. If both stay at Grambling all four years, with the proper weight training program, they could possibly become the first running backs to go to the NFL from Grambling in a LONG time.

4. DeMicheal Dizer
If any player on the entire team benefited more from their performance in Saturday’s game I apologize for not mentioning your name, because DeMicheal Dizer might have solidified himself a few personal workouts in the spring for the NFL Draft. Dizer finished with 11 tackles, one interception and another break up, Dizer was all over the place. Dizer must be commended for his performance, but must maintain that same performance to garner attention from scouts.

5. Grambling played FBS competition
Facing a program of Pittsburgh’s caliber provided a sound measuring stick for where Grambling is, and how far they have to go. Grambling in no form or fashion should have walked away from that game feeling embarrassed, unlike 2000 when they lost to Louisville 52-0. Grambling missed out on the opportunity to pull the second biggest upset of the college football season. They now must focus on achieving their three major goals. A victory in the Bayou Classic, a SWAC Championship and a HBCU National Championship, after this weekend’s performance Rod Broadway may be well on his way.