Yes, Grambling still has a Sept. 5 game against Central State to play. But after the Tigers demolished Clark Atlanta 49-7 and TCU stumbled against North Carolina, this matchup already looks more interesting than the standard FBS-versus-FCS paycheck game.
TCU enters its open week at 0-1 after losing 15-10 to North Carolina in Dublin.
The Horned Frogs scored on their first two possessions and then disappeared offensively, finishing with 281 yards and going just 1-for-5 on fourth down.
Quarterback Jaden Craig completed 20 of 32 passes for 175 yards without a touchdown or interception.
Running back Jeremy Payne supplied most of the electricity, rushing for 142 yards as TCU’s most dependable offensive weapon.
Grambling had a much louder opening act.
Mickey Joseph’s Tigers produced 487 yards, 28 first downs and 49 points against Clark Atlanta.
Quarterback Reginald Johnson completed 15 of 17 throws for 133 yards and a touchdown, while Grambling’s four quarterbacks combined for 264 passing yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Tigers also rushed for 223 yards.
TCU’s passing game versus Grambling’s secondary is the pressure point.
The Horned Frogs should have advantages in size, speed and depth, but Craig must prove he can create explosive plays instead of settling into another low-wattage performance.
TCU averaged only 5.5 yards per completion against North Carolina and committed 11 penalties for 90 yards.
Grambling can make this uncomfortable by crowding the line, forcing Craig to win vertically and keeping the score respectable into the second half.
If Payne gets rolling early, however, the Tigers could spend the night getting dragged into increasingly unfavorable personnel matchups.
Players to watch
- TCU RB Jeremy Payne: The offense should continue running through him after his 142-yard opener.
- TCU QB Jaden Craig: This is his chance to establish rhythm and confidence before Big 12 play.
- Grambling QB Reginald Johnson: His 15-for-17 debut showed poise and accuracy.
- Grambling WR Jordan Bride: He caught seven passes for 72 yards in the opener.
- Grambling RB Tony Phillips Jr.: The 5-foot-7 playmaker flashed explosiveness with an 89-yard kickoff return.
Way-too-early prediction
Grambling’s opener deserves respect, but TCU’s talent and depth should eventually overwhelm the Tigers.
The Horned Frogs also have an open week to clean up their passing game and penalty problems.
Grambling may land an early punch, but anything short of a comfortable TCU victory would raise serious alarms in Fort Worth.
My prediction: TCU 38, Grambling State 14
