Mickey Joseph and Grambling State are set to face off in a high-stakes matchup against red-hot Alcorn State, but will be without their signal caller. Per a report by the Rustin Leader, Tiger starting quarterback RJ Johnson will not be suiting up for the homecoming matchup against the Braves. This will be the second game that Johnson has missed, as he didn't play in Grambling's 21-14 loss against SWAC champion Prairie View A&M.
Joseph addressed the plan for Saturday in his weekly coach's press conference. saying, “Jacobe [Robinson] will be the starter. You’ll see Ash [Ashton Frye] also,”
Per the Rustin Leader, Joseph also addressed Johnson not playing in the State Fair Classic.
“He’s dealing with a health reason right now. I don’t want to get sued, so I’m not going to comment on it. He’s dealing with a health reason. It’s a health issue.”
Article Continues BelowSo far this season, Johnson has thrown for 581 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in his three games played, averaging 193.7 passing yards per game. Robinson secured the majority of the snaps for Grambling in the State Fair Classic against Prairie View A&M, as he finished with 131 yards and one touchdown on nine of 18 attempts.
Now, Grambling looks to escape homecoming with a victory against an Arkansas-Pine Bluff team that is currently undefeated in SWAC play. They're led by Jalen Tober, who has emerged as one of the best passers in both HBCU and FCS football. Through the first five games of the season, he's thrown for 1,471 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, with seven interceptions.
His best two games came against SWAC West competition, as he threw for 485 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and 332 yards and two touchdowns against Texas Southern.