HOUSTON – For the second-straight year Alcorn State lifted the Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Championship Trophy at NRG Stadium after beating Grambling State 49-21 on Saturday.

The Braves (9-3) become the first team since 2002 to repeat as SWAC champions and joined Grambling State as the only program to accomplish the feat. It marks the 11th league title for Alcorn State.

Alcorn State leaned on its rushing attack as Darryan Ragsdale rushed for a championship game record 191 yards on 16 carries.

The loss marked just the second time Grambling State (9-3) has fallen in the title game.

Tigers quarterback Johnathan Williams did all he could to keep Grambling State in striking distance going 18-for-36 for 207 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Defensively, Alcorn State’s Warren Gatewood excelled with three interceptions, returning one for a 24-yard touchdown.

By JOSHUA KOCH, Associated Press