GRAMBLING, La. – Kentucky State jumped out to an early lead but couldn’t hold off a second-half surge from Grambling State, falling 37-31 in overtime Saturday in a dramatic nonconference matchup.

The Thorobreds opened the game with a 14-0 first-quarter lead, capping a 69-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Denim Johnson. Running back Chad Elzy added a 6-yard touchdown to extend the lead.

Grambling responded with a touchdown and a field goal, as quarterback C’zavian Teasett connected with wide receiver Keith Jones Jr. to close the gap. Kentucky State answered before halftime when Johnson found Jon McCall for an 11-yard touchdown. The Thorobreds took a 21-17 lead into the break, highlighted by Elzy’s 58 rushing yards and McCall’s eight receptions for 81 yards.

The Tigers seized control in the second half behind Teasett, who completed 13 of 27 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 99 yards and two more scores. In the third quarter, he connected with Jones—who finished with 96 receiving yards and two touchdowns—for a go-ahead score that gave Grambling a 24-21 lead.

Momentum briefly shifted back to Kentucky State after a mishandled Grambling punt set up a 33-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Torrence Bardell to Darius Cyprian. The Thorobreds recovered the ensuing onside kick, and Leland Gantz converted a 43-yard field goal to push the lead to 31-24 with under two minutes remaining.

But Teasett responded with a clutch eight-play, 75-yard drive, finishing it with a 17-yard touchdown run with 10 seconds left to force overtime.

In the extra period, Kentucky State reached the Grambling 17-yard line before disaster struck. Officials allowed play to continue after a short gain, and Grambling’s Raby forced a fumble, recovered the ball, and returned it 83 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

The defensive score sealed the Tigers’ 37-31 victory, sending the home crowd at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium into celebration.