PINE BLUFF, AR – Snapping a six-game losing streak last season on the road, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team will bring the battle of the black and gold against the Grambling State Tigers back to Simmons Bank Field Saturday at 2 p.m.
After being doubted last season in Grambling, Louisiana, and proving the world wrong, the Golden Lions came out victorious against Grambling State in the spring 2021 season for the first time since 2013 with a final score of 48 – 21, gaining a total of 439 offensive yards over GSU's 368-yards in the victory.
Louisiana native, Skyler Perry, who finished last season's contest against the Tigers, threw for a total of 346-yards, throwing 60-percent from converting 18 of his 30 passing attempts. Perry is highly pumped for the match and is prepared to pass the football like he did last season against Grambling State, and also like last week's 311 passing yards against TxSU. He currently holds 1245 passing yards so far in the season.
Also returning from last season's match is WR Josh Wilkes, who burned a total of 131 receiving yards through six receptions in the win against Grambling State. Wilkes currently the team with28 receptions for 371 yards.
DB Jalon Thigpen is expected to make some huge plays against the Tigers and generate lots of energy for the Golden Lions. Thigpen kicked things off last season with a 35-yard interceptionfor a touchdown. He currently leads the Arkansas-Pine Bluff defense with a total of 54 tackles in the season, ranking third in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) in tackles.
The Golden Lions are looking to use the fuel pumped for the rivalry match to bounce back from last week's 59 – 17 loss on the road at Texas Southern.
UAPB second-year head coach Doc Gamble is highly excited for the rivalry matchup against the Tigers and expects to see a more consistent ball game from his team. "We just have to play well in all three phases of the game and complete our scoring drives," said Gamble about what success will look like for the Golden Lions.
Led by QB Noah Bodden with 476 passing yards, Grambling State is coming off a 26 – 3 loss against Florida A&M.
The theme is Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, allowing gates to open at noon. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. and will be aired live on ESPN Plus Network.
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