Grambling State opened its 2024 football season under new head coach Mickey Joseph on the road with a 40-10 loss to FBS opponent Louisiana Saturday night at Cajun Field in Lafayette.
The Tigers (0-1) struggled to keep pace, managing just 241 total yards in offense. Quarterback Myles Crawley completed 19 of 28 passes for 166 yards but was intercepted once, resulting in a 50-yard pick-six that extended Louisiana’s lead to 21-0 with 10:07 left to play in the second quarter.
Ke’travion Hargrove led the Tigers’ ground game with 61 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Quarterback Ben Wooldridge led the Ragin’ Cajuns, completing 25 of 33 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Backup Chandler Fields added 55 yards on 4 of 5 passing. Louisiana’s offense racked up 481 total yards, with 363 through the air and 118 on the ground.
Caleb Kibodi’s 50-yard interception highlighted Louisiana’s defense return for a touchdown. K.C. Ossai and Tyrone Lewis Jr. each recorded seven tackles to lead the unit.
Kenneth Almendares was perfect for Louisiana on special teams, hitting a 41-yard field goal and making all four extra points. Tony Sterner added a 27-yard field goal.
Louisiana took control early, scoring on its first drive, and left the entire game, while Grambling State’s lone touchdown came in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Hargrove.
The Tigers will play again next Saturday in their home opener at Robinson Stadium when they face Tuskegee.